Casualties unknown

Tailwind and Updraft Gust Lead to Runway Excursion and Nose-Over (N7582M)

Soperton, GA, US

On November 26, 1996, a Cessna 175 (registration N7582M) was involved in an aviation accident near Soperton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot either to attain the proper touch down point for landing or to abort the landing while there was sufficient runway remaining. The terrain (ditch) at the end of the runway was a related 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on a grass strip encountered a tailwind and an updraft gust, causing the aircraft to overshoot the intended touchdown point and depart the runway end into a drainage depression, resulting in a nose-over.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducting a full stop landing on a grass strip reported that the aircraft did not reach the proper touchdown point. According to the pilot, a tailwind of approximately 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots, was present during the approach.

Approach and Landing

The pilot stated a plan to land within the first 375 feet of the runway. However, during the approach and just prior to touchdown, an updraft gust caused the aircraft to momentarily cease its descent. This prolonged the touchdown by an additional 200 feet beyond the intended point.

Ground Roll and Attempted Ground Loop

The pilot reported that the aircraft maintained good directional control throughout the rollout but would not decelerate as quickly as necessary. In an attempt to stop, the pilot initiated a ground loop at the end of the runway. The aircraft, however, responded too late to complete the desired turn.

Runway Excursion and Nose-Over

As a result, the aircraft departed the departure end of the runway and entered a drainage depression. Subsequently, the aircraft nosed over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Nov 1996 Cessna 175 accident near Soperton, GA?

A pilot landing on a grass strip encountered a tailwind and an updraft gust, causing the aircraft to overshoot the intended touchdown point and depart the runway end into a drainage depression, resulting in a nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Nov 1996 involved a Cessna 175, registration N7582M, at Soperton, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot either to attain the proper touch down point for landing or to abort the landing while there was sufficient runway remaining. The terrain (ditch) at the end of the runway was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.