Aircraft veers off runway during landing due to shifting winds

Casualties unknown • Cut Bank, MT, US

An aircraft veered off the edge of the runway and sustained damage after encountering a left crosswind and gusts during its landing roll.

What happened

The pilot performed a low pass over the airport to assess the prevailing wind direction before deciding to land on runway 31. During the initial approach, the pilot reported that the winds were favorable for runway 31.

However, as the aircraft touched down and began its landing roll, the wind conditions changed. The winds shifted into a left crosswind and began gusting. This shift caused the airplane to veer off the edge of the runway and onto soft terrain. The impact with the ground resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear and caused the right wing to bend.

At the time of the accident, recorded airport weather indicated a wind direction of 300 degrees magnetic at 16 knots, with gusts reaching 23 knots.

Probable cause

A shift to a left crosswind and gusting conditions during the landing roll caused the aircraft to veer off the runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-19 Stinson 108-2 accident near Cut Bank, MT?

An aircraft veered off the edge of the runway and sustained damage after encountering a left crosswind and gusts during its landing roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-19 involved a Stinson 108-2, registration N9808K, at Cut Bank, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A shift to a left crosswind and gusting conditions during the landing roll caused the aircraft to veer off the runway surface.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05874. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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