Aircraft nosed over during landing in Minnesota

Casualties unknown • Orr, MN, US

An aircraft performing fire detection duties experienced a loss of control and subsequent nose-over during a crosswind approach at a Minnesota airfield.

What happened

The pilot was operating the aircraft as part of a year-long contract with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to perform fire detection flights. While performing a normal crosswind approach for a wheel landing on runway 13, the pilot encountered significant wind conditions. The pilot reported winds from 170 degrees at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots, noting that the windsock was standing straight out as the aircraft passed it.

During the landing sequence, the pilot felt the airplane swerve to the right and become mostly out of control. The left main tire collapsed during the maneuver, causing the wheel to dig into the soft surface located at the side of the runway. As the aircraft was nearly stopped, it nosed over onto the left wing and stabilizer. The occupants were not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-05-12 Cessna 180 accident near Orr, MN?

An aircraft performing fire detection duties experienced a loss of control and subsequent nose-over during a crosswind approach at a Minnesota airfield.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-05-12 involved a Cessna 180, registration N9336C, at Orr, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind weather condition. A factor was the crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03440. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…