FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Cessna 172P Runway Departure During Crosswind Landing (N66986)

Dowagiac, MI, US

On February 18, 2002, a Cessna 172P (registration N66986) was involved in an aviation accident near Dowagiac, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions that resulted in directional control not being maintained during the landing roll. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172P departed the right side of runway 27 during landing rollout in crosswind conditions, entered a soft field, and nosed over. The pilot acknowledged a better-aligned runway was available.

Incident Overview and Conditions During the landing rollout, the aircraft left the prepared runway surface on the right side and entered a soft agricultural field, where it subsequently nosed over. The landing attempt was made on runway 27. At the time of the incident, winds were reported from 180 degrees magnetic at 14 knots, with gusts reaching 20 knots. The pilot stated that he should have diverted to an airport with a runway better aligned with the wind direction. ## Aircraft Manual and Crosswind Limitations The Cessna 172P Information Manual addresses crosswind landings and notes that the maximum allowable crosswind velocity depends on both pilot capability and aircraft limitations. The manual further states that operation in direct crosswinds of 15 knots has been demonstrated.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Feb 2002 Cessna 172P accident near Dowagiac, MI?

A Cessna 172P departed the right side of runway 27 during landing rollout in crosswind conditions, entered a soft field, and nosed over. The pilot acknowledged a better-aligned runway was available.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Feb 2002 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Feb 2002 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N66986, at Dowagiac, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions that resulted in directional control not being maintained during the landing roll. Factors to the accident were the pilot's inadequate in-flight decision to attempt the landing with a gusting 20 knot direct crosswind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020221X00244. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.