No fatalities

Instructor's Crosswind Landing Demonstration Ends with Runway Excursion and Nose-Over (N3544Q)

Erie, CO, US

On March 23, 2003, a Cessna 172S (registration N3544Q) operated by Specialty Flight Training, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during aborted landing. Contributing factors include the crosswind component, and the snow covered muddy terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a crosswind landing demonstration, a training aircraft veered right after landing, departed the runway, and nosed over in snow-covered mud, resulting in structural damage.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor was demonstrating a crosswind landing to a student. The instructor estimated the wind to be from 270 degrees at 15 to 20 knots. After touching down on runway 33, the airplane veered to the right. The instructor applied full power in an attempt to abort the landing but could not return the airplane to the runway centerline. She then closed the throttle.

Sequence of Events

The airplane departed the runway surface, settled in snow-covered mud, and nosed over. The left wing lift strut was bent and the wing was buckled. No other damage was reported.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft involved was a training airplane. No registration, make, model, or engine count was provided in the source.

Injuries and Occupants

The source did not specify the number of occupants or any injuries. Toxicology tests were not mentioned, and no fatalities or injuries were stated.

Weather and Runway

The wind was estimated at 270 degrees at 15 to 20 knots. The runway in use was 33. The surface beyond the runway was snow-covered mud. No other weather conditions or time of day were provided.

Conclusion

The source does not state a probable cause for the accident. The instructor's actions and the aircraft's response are described, but no causal factors are assigned.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 2003 Cessna 172S accident near Erie, CO?

During a crosswind landing demonstration, a training aircraft veered right after landing, departed the runway, and nosed over in snow-covered mud, resulting in structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Mar 2003 Cessna 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N3544Q, operated by Specialty Flight Training, Inc., at Erie, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during aborted landing. Contributing factors include the crosswind component, and the snow covered muddy terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030325X00383. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.