Casualties unknown

Cessna Noses Over on Landing at Ontario Airport Due to Gusts (N5652W)

Ontario, OR, US

On June 15, 1985, a Maule M-5-180C (registration N5652W) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, OR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft encountered a whirlwind upon touchdown at Ontario airport, lifting the tail and causing the plane to nose over. Wind gusts reached 25 knots during the incident.

What happened

The pilot reported that when he landed, the wind was gusting to 25 kts. He stated that when the acft touched down, it encountered a whirlwind that lifted the tail. Subsequently, the acft nosed over & was damaged. According to the 1700 PDT wx observation at Ontario, the wind was from 360 deg at 10 kts.

The investigation

The pilot reported that when he landed, the wind was gusting to 25 kts. He stated that when the acft touched down, it encountered a whirlwind that lifted the tail. Subsequently, the acft nosed over & was damaged. According to the 1700 PDT wx observation at Ontario, the wind was from 360 deg at 10 kts.

Findings

The pilot reported that when he landed, the wind was gusting to 25 kts. He stated that when the acft touched down, it encountered a whirlwind that lifted the tail. Subsequently, the acft nosed over & was damaged. According to the 1700 PDT wx observation at Ontario, the wind was from 360 deg at 10 kts.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jun 1985 Maule M-5-180C accident near Ontario, OR?

Aircraft encountered a whirlwind upon touchdown at Ontario airport, lifting the tail and causing the plane to nose over. Wind gusts reached 25 knots during the incident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jun 1985 involved a Maule M-5-180C, registration N5652W, at Ontario, OR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.