No fatalities

Aircraft Drifts Left During Crosswind Landing, Hits Fence (N1878M)

Chico Hot Spgs., MT, US

On June 29, 1998, a Cessna 182P (registration N1878M) was involved in an aviation accident near Chico Hot Spgs., MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate remedial action while attempting to compensate for a change in crosswind velocity. Factors include a crosswind, hills near the runway, and high vegetation (weeds) near the runway. 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

During a gusty crosswind landing, an aircraft drifted left after passing a hill that blocked the crosswind. The left main gear entered tall weeds, and the airplane exited the runway, striking a fence.

Approach and Drift

The aircraft was on approach to land in gusty crosswind conditions. Just before touchdown, it flew past a hill that blocked most of the crosswind. Until that moment, the hill had been shielding the aircraft from the crosswind. After passing the hill, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. The pilot was unable to correct the drift or return the aircraft to the center of the runway prior to touchdown.

Touchdown and Runway Excursion

Upon touchdown, the left main gear immediately slipped off the left side of the runway into tall weeds. The aircraft continued leftward and soon departed the runway surface entirely. The left side of the runway was bordered by tall weeds, and a fence was located beyond the weed line.

Final Outcome

The aircraft continued moving left after exiting the runway. Before the pilot could bring it to a stop, it impacted the fence. The collision with the fence halted the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jun 1998 Cessna 182P accident near Chico Hot Spgs., MT?

During a gusty crosswind landing, an aircraft drifted left after passing a hill that blocked the crosswind. The left main gear entered tall weeds, and the airplane exited the runway, striking a fence.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jun 1998 Cessna 182P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jun 1998 involved a Cessna 182P, registration N1878M, at Chico Hot Spgs., MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate remedial action while attempting to compensate for a change in crosswind velocity. Factors include a crosswind, hills near the runway, and high vegetation (weeds) near the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.