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Aircraft Drifts Right After Touchdown, Noses Over After Impacting Runway Light (N3450F)

Payette, ID, US

On May 17, 2003, a Cessna 182J (registration N3450F) was involved in an aviation accident near Payette, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in the aircraft departing the runway environment, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. 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 landing on runway 31, an aircraft touched down near the threshold and right side, drifted right, exited the runway, hit a runway light, collapsed nose gear, and nosed over.

Event

The pilot entered the traffic pattern and set up for an approach and landing on runway 31. The runway was 3,000 feet long and 50 feet wide, with an asphalt surface. Winds at a nearby airport were reported as 240 degrees magnetic at 11 knots, gusting to 16 knots.

Landing and Drift

The aircraft touched down close to the threshold on the right side of the runway. Immediately after touchdown, the aircraft began drifting to the right. It then left the runway surface but continued tracking parallel to the runway on sandy soil along the runway's northeast edge.

Impact and Outcome

While on the sandy soil, the aircraft impacted a runway light. The nose gear subsequently collapsed, and the aircraft nosed over.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the aircraft. He later stated that he should have made a go-around decision when the aircraft began drifting right.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 May 2003 Cessna 182J accident near Payette, ID?

During landing on runway 31, an aircraft touched down near the threshold and right side, drifted right, exited the runway, hit a runway light, collapsed nose gear, and nosed over.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 May 2003 Cessna 182J accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 May 2003 involved a Cessna 182J, registration N3450F, at Payette, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in the aircraft departing the runway environment, collapsing the nose gear and nosing over. Contributing factors were the pilot-in-command's failure to execute a go around maneuver, the gusty crosswind conditions and the…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030519X00690. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.