Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Gusty Crosswind Encounter During Takeoff (N6640A)

Weeping Water, NE, US

On February 13, 1993, a Cessna 172 (registration N6640A) operated by Martin W. Rupp was involved in an aviation accident near Weeping Water, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN THE AIRPLANE FIRST TOUCHED DOWN ON THE CLEAR AREA ADJACENT TO THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after takeoff, gusty crosswinds caused the airplane to drift right, touching down on clear area, becoming airborne again with stall warning, then landing on a road and continuing through a fence into a pasture.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statement, shortly after takeoff the airplane encountered gusty crosswind conditions. The airplane drifted to the right of the runway and touched down on an adjacent clear area.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that following the initial touchdown, the airplane became airborne once again. During this second airborne phase, the stall warning horn activated. The airplane then touched down on a road that was perpendicular to the departure runway.

After the second touchdown, the airplane's path continued on the ground. It traveled through a fence and came to rest in a field described by the pilot as a pasture.

Pilot Account

The pilot provided the account of the incident, noting the gusty crosswind as the initial challenge. No further details regarding the aircraft, injuries, or damage were specified in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Feb 1993 Cessna 172 accident near Weeping Water, NE?

A pilot reported that after takeoff, gusty crosswinds caused the airplane to drift right, touching down on clear area, becoming airborne again with stall warning, then landing on a road and continuing through a fence into a pasture.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Feb 1993 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6640A, operated by Martin W. Rupp, at Weeping Water, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF WHEN THE AIRPLANE FIRST TOUCHED DOWN ON THE CLEAR AREA ADJACENT TO THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11803. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.