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Casualties unknown

Nose gear collapse after gusty crosswind landing (N608V)

Page, AZ, US

On August 15, 1987, a Beech 35-33 (registration N608V) was involved in an aviation accident near Page, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a sudden left roll, left wing contact with the runway, and nose gear collapse. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft entered a sudden left roll just before touchdown on runway 15 due to gusty crosswinds, resulting in nose gear collapse and left wing contact with the pavement.

What happened

Upon arriving at the airport, the pilot entered the traffic pattern to land on runway 15. Conditions included a gusty crosswind from the right. The pilot reported that just before touchdown, the aircraft entered a sudden left roll. Subsequently, the left wing contacted the runway and the plane nosed down, collapsing the nose gear. At 1050 MST, the wind was reported to be from 200 degrees at 10 gusting 24 knots.

The investigation

No further mechanical examination details were provided in the source material.

Findings

The primary contributing factor was the gusty crosswind conditions during the final approach. The left wing contact with the runway and subsequent nose gear collapse were direct results of the uncontrolled left roll immediately prior to touchdown.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a sudden left roll, left wing contact with the runway, and nose gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 1987 Beech 35-33 accident near Page, AZ?

Aircraft entered a sudden left roll just before touchdown on runway 15 due to gusty crosswinds, resulting in nose gear collapse and left wing contact with the pavement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 1987 involved a Beech 35-33, registration N608V, at Page, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty crosswind conditions, which resulted in a sudden left roll, left wing contact with the runway, and nose gear collapse.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31851. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.