On September 23, 1994, a Cessna 182F (registration N3540U) was involved in an aviation accident near Monte Vista, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL. FACTORS WERE THE CROSS WIND CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S POOR EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a limp windsock, being high and fast, and wind shear. A passenger reported a tailwind. Loss of directional control led to nose gear collapse in soft terrain and a nose over.
Incident Details
The pilot of the aircraft reported that, prior to landing, he observed the windsock to be in a limp state. He further reported that he was "a little high," too fast, and that he encountered wind shear. Wind data from a station located 11 miles away showed wind from 350 degrees at 12 knots. The pilot reported that the wind at his location was variable at 10 knots with gusts. Additionally, the owner of the airplane, who was a passenger during the flight, reported a tailwind of 15 knots. During the landing, directional control was lost. The nose gear collapsed in soft terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot provided this information in his report.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Sept 1994 Cessna 182F accident near Monte Vista, CO?
A pilot reported a limp windsock, being high and fast, and wind shear. A passenger reported a tailwind. Loss of directional control led to nose gear collapse in soft terrain and a nose over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 182F, registration N3540U, at Monte Vista, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL. FACTORS WERE THE CROSS WIND CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S POOR EVALUATION OF THE WEATHER.
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