Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Control During Landing in Thunderstorm Outflow (N8776B)

Wendover, UT, US

On June 14, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N8776B) was involved in an aviation accident near Wendover, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include the pilot's improper decision to continue his flight into an area where he had observed thunderstorms, and a thunderstorm outflow which created strong wind gusts that the aircraft… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot continued towards a destination airport despite thunderstorms, resulting in loss of directional control during landing roll when a strong quartering tailwind caused the aircraft to slide sideways and a wing to strike the runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot flying inbound to his destination observed thunderstorms forming in the vicinity of the airport. Instead of returning to the departure point, the pilot decided to proceed to the planned landing airport. By the time the aircraft arrived, the thunderstorms had moved closer to the runway, generating strong, gusty winds from thunderstorm outflow.

Landing and Loss of Control

During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a strong quartering tailwind. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control. As the pilot attempted to keep the aircraft tracking down the runway, the aircraft began sliding sideways. The loss of control culminated in one wing impacting the runway surface.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors were identified in the source. The pilot's decision to continue towards the airport despite the developing thunderstorms and the resulting wind conditions were the circumstances of the event. The source did not specify whether air traffic control was involved or provide details on the aircraft type, registration, or any injuries.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Wendover, UT?

A pilot continued towards a destination airport despite thunderstorms, resulting in loss of directional control during landing roll when a strong quartering tailwind caused the aircraft to slide sideways and a wing to strike the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8776B, at Wendover, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include the pilot's improper decision to continue his flight into an area where he had observed thunderstorms, and a thunderstorm outflow which created strong wind gusts that the aircraft encountered during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08255. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.