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Nose-Over After Runway Excursion on Landing (N653C)

Duluth, MN, US

On September 28, 2001, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N653C) was involved in an aviation accident near Duluth, MN. No fatalities were reported. 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.

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Sept 2001 Stinson 108-3 accident near Duluth, MN?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Sept 2001 Stinson 108-3 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Sept 2001 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N653C, at Duluth, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilots failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Factors were the crosswind and the soft terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011108X02214. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.