On April 20, 2001, a Cessna 182L (registration N6412K) was involved in an aviation accident near Stromsburg, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing attempt on a short, narrow runway in gusty crosswind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed the paved surface on its third approach to a narrow 21-foot wide runway, encountering significant crosswind gusts recorded nearby at the time of the incident.
What happened
The pilot initiated a third landing attempt on a short runway with a width of only 21 feet. During this final approach, the airplane veered off the runway surface. Recorded weather data from a station located approximately 33 nautical miles northeast-east of the accident site indicated that a 90-degree crosswind component of roughly 19 knots was present at the time of the event, with gusts reaching up to 25 knots.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed recorded weather information from a nearby station to determine atmospheric conditions during the incident. The data confirmed the presence of significant crosswinds and gusts that may have contributed to the loss of directional control on the narrow strip.
Findings
The primary factors involved were the crosswind conditions and the limited runway width, which challenged the pilot's ability to maintain alignment during the landing roll. The short field length provided little margin for error during the third attempt.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing attempt on a short, narrow runway in gusty crosswind conditions.
What happened in the 20 Apr 2001 Cessna 182L accident near Stromsburg, NE?
An aircraft departed the paved surface on its third approach to a narrow 21-foot wide runway, encountering significant crosswind gusts recorded nearby at the time of the incident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Apr 2001 involved a Cessna 182L, registration N6412K, at Stromsburg, NE.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing attempt on a short, narrow runway in gusty crosswind conditions.
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