Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Crosswind Landing on Gravel Road (N12089)

Lloyd, MT, US

On September 19, 1992, a Cessna 172M (registration N12089) operated by Williams, David R. was involved in an aviation accident near Lloyd, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a crosswind gust. 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 registered N12089
Aircraft registered N12089. Photo: Andrew Thomas from Shrewsbury, UK / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot lost directional control during a landing rollout on a gravel road when gusting crosswinds pushed the aircraft left, causing it to nosed over.

What happened

The pilot executed a landing onto a gravel road oriented toward the south. During the rollout phase, the aircraft encountered significant wind conditions that affected its stability. The pilot reported that westerly winds were present at 10 knots with gusts reaching up to 30 knots.

As the aircraft moved along the surface, a west crosswind gusted and pushed the aircraft to the left. This lateral force caused the pilot to lose directional control. Consequently, the aircraft nosed over as it departed the road.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a crosswind gust.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Sept 1992 Cessna 172M accident near Lloyd, MT?

A pilot lost directional control during a landing rollout on a gravel road when gusting crosswinds pushed the aircraft left, causing it to nosed over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Sept 1992 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N12089, operated by Williams, David R., at Lloyd, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a crosswind gust.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15785. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.