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Gust of Wind Causes Nose-Over After Landing (N7321H)

Waterville, ME, US

On October 22, 2002, a Cessna 185 (registration N7321H) was involved in an aviation accident near Waterville, ME. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive braking during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over. A factor was the quartering tailwind. 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

A pilot reported that after landing, a gust of wind caught the tail of the airplane from the left. Applying brakes, the airplane nosed over. Winds were from 130 degrees left at 6 knots gusting 15 knots three minutes after the accident.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that after landing, a gust of wind caught the tail of the airplane from the left. The pilot applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over.

Wind Conditions

The pilot stated he was operating in the traffic pattern with other airplanes, based on ASOS information indicating winds from about 70 degrees to the left at 7 to 10 miles per hour. Winds recorded three minutes after the accident were from 130 degrees to the left at 6 knots, gusting to 15 knots.

Damage

The airplane sustained damage as a result of the nose-over.

Injuries

No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Investigation

The accident is under investigation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 2002 Cessna 185 accident near Waterville, ME?

A pilot reported that after landing, a gust of wind caught the tail of the airplane from the left. Applying brakes, the airplane nosed over. Winds were from 130 degrees left at 6 knots gusting 15 knots three minutes after the accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Oct 2002 Cessna 185 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 2002 involved a Cessna 185, registration N7321H, at Waterville, ME.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive braking during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over. A factor was the quartering tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021031X05414. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.