No fatalities

Loss of Directional Control During Crosswind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion (N3387Y)

Sweetgrass, MT, US

On July 2, 2002, a Cessna 182 E (registration N3387Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Sweetgrass, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after encountering a gust stronger than expected during landing in gusty crosswinds. 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 landing in gusty crosswinds, the pilot touched down near the runway center but encountered a stronger-than-expected gust, causing the aircraft to drift right and depart the runway, striking a fence.

Incident Overview

A pilot landing an aircraft in gusty crosswind conditions successfully touched down near the centerline of the runway. However, shortly after touchdown, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind that was stronger than anticipated. This unexpected gust caused the aircraft to begin drifting toward the right side of the runway.

Loss of Control and Runway Excursion

Despite the pilot's efforts, directional control could not be maintained as the drift continued. The aircraft subsequently departed the paved runway surface. After leaving the runway, the aircraft collided with a nearby fence, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

Aircraft Damage

The impact with the fence inflicted substantial damage, though specific components affected were not detailed in the source.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after encountering a gust stronger than expected during landing in gusty crosswinds.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 2002 Cessna 182 E accident near Sweetgrass, MT?

During a landing in gusty crosswinds, the pilot touched down near the runway center but encountered a stronger-than-expected gust, causing the aircraft to drift right and depart the runway, striking a fence.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jul 2002 Cessna 182 E accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 2002 involved a Cessna 182 E, registration N3387Y, at Sweetgrass, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after encountering a gust stronger than expected during landing in gusty crosswinds.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020702X01032. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.