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Casualties unknown

Maule Noses Over After Striking Dirt Pile at Private Airstrip (N95631)

Marfa, TX, US

On May 1, 1999, a Cessna 182Q (registration N95631) operated by Gene Dawson was involved in an aviation accident near Marfa, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the dirt bank during the landing flare. 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 north landing at a private airstrip, a Maule drifted left, struck a construction dirt pile beside the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot had landed the same aircraft type there five times before.

Incident Details

While performing a north landing at a private airstrip, the airplane deviated left of the runway centerline. The left main landing gear then contacted a pile of dirt located on the left side of the approach end of the runway. The impact caused the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted.

Runway Conditions

The dirt pile that was struck resulted from construction activities at the airstrip. The pile was situated on the left edge of the runway approach end.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, the airstrip elevation rises to the north, and the last 600 feet of the runway includes a 'dog-leg' to the right. He noted that all pilots approach to the north over the left side of the approach end of the runway. The pilot reported that the wind was calm at the time of the landing and that he had previously landed a Maule at the airstrip five times.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 May 1999 Cessna 182Q accident near Marfa, TX?

During a north landing at a private airstrip, a Maule drifted left, struck a construction dirt pile beside the runway, nosed over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot had landed the same aircraft type there five times before.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 May 1999 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N95631, operated by Gene Dawson, at Marfa, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the dirt bank during the landing flare.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18765. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.