Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Loss of Directional Control During Crosswind Departure (N2062J)

Roseau, MN, US

On May 21, 1996, a Cessna 188 (registration N2062J) was involved in an aviation accident near Roseau, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot failed to maintain directional control during takeoff. The crosswind was a factor. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported losing directional control during a crosswind departure when a gust caused the airplane to weathervane, leading to a ditch landing and nose-over.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a departure from a county road in northwesterly winds of 8 to 10 knots, gusting to 15 to 20 knots, a gust of wind caused the airplane to weathervane. The pilot stated that he ran out of right rudder and was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane subsequently flew over a ditch that paralleled the road and landed in a field.

Post-Landing Sequence

After landing, the right wheel pulled the airplane back toward the ditch. According to the pilot, when the main wheels hit the water in the ditch, the airplane nosed over. No further details were provided regarding aircraft condition or pilot status.

Pilot Statement

The pilot's account emphasizes the challenging wind conditions and the sudden loss of control. The report does not include information on aircraft make, model, registration, or operator. The time of day and weather characterization beyond wind data are not specified.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the difficulties of maintaining directional control in gusty crosswind conditions during a departure from a narrow road. The pilot's inability to counteract the weathervaning tendency with available rudder input led to the aircraft departing the intended path and culminating in a nose-over after striking water in a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05729. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.