Casualties unknown

Runway Excursion and Nose-Over on Landing at Runway 31 (N1334A)

Westcliffe, CO, US

On November 9, 1996, a Piper PA-18-125 (registration N1334A) was involved in an aviation accident near Westcliffe, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landing. 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 a landing excursion on runway 31, with the airplane drifting off the runway, going down an embankment, and nosing over. The windsock was limp, favoring down the runway from the northwest.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing approach, the airplane entered a left downwind leg for runway 31. The windsock appeared 'limp, favoring down the runway from the northwest.'

Landing and Drift

The airplane touched down on the runway centerline approximately 1,000 feet past the threshold. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane began drifting to the right. The pilot applied opposite rudder to correct the drift. In response, the airplane then drifted left, causing the left main wheel to depart the runway edge.

Attempted Correction and Excursion

While attempting to return the airplane to the centerline, the 'left main caught on pavement edge and the airplane came free, veering hard right.' The airplane subsequently exited the right side of the runway about 1,200 to 1,500 feet past the threshold at a 40-degree angle.

Final Position

After leaving the runway, the airplane traveled down an embankment into soft soil and nosed over.

Pilot Report

The pilot provided the account of the events, noting the windsock conditions and the sequence of directional control inputs.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07030. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.