On September 28, 2001, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N653C) was involved in an aviation accident near Duluth, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors were the crosswind and the soft terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane nosed over after departing the runway during landing at Sky Harbor. The pilot cited crosswinds and soft sand as contributing factors. A nearby weather station reported a 90-degree crosswind at 9 knots.
Accident
The airplane nosed over after departing the runway during landing. According to the pilot's written statement, the aircraft left the runway surface and entered an area of sand at the end of the rollout. The sand was soft, causing the front tires to sink and bring the airplane to an immediate stop. The airplane then nosed over.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that crosswinds are always an issue at Sky Harbor. In his statement, he noted that the accident could have been avoided by flying to Superior to avoid the crosswind or by being better at landing in crosswinds. The pilot had flown from Aitkin to Sky Harbor.
Weather
A weather station located approximately 10 miles from the accident site recorded wind from 90 degrees at 9 knots at the time of the accident.