Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over During Aborted Landing After Runway Excursion (N736AT)

Warrenton, VA, US

On June 6, 2003, a Cessna R172K (registration N736AT) was involved in an aviation accident near Warrenton, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation the shifting wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control. A factor related to the accident was the shifting wind conditions. 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
Aircraft registered N736AT
Aircraft registered N736AT. Photo: Alec Wilson from Khon Kaen, Thailand / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An airplane veered left during landing on runway 32, entered tall grass, and nosed over into a ditch, coming to rest inverted. Winds from 310 degrees at 10 knots gusting 14 were reported, with a wind shift minutes prior.

Landing and Runway Excursion

During a landing attempt on runway 32, the airplane's right wheel touched down. As the left wheel began to settle, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot responded by adding full throttle and attempting to abort the landing. Despite this action, the airplane continued leftward into tall grass at the edge of the runway.

Aircraft Overturn

The airplane subsequently nosed over, coming to rest inverted in a ditch. The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the accident.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, an airport located approximately 12 miles northeast of the accident site reported wind from 310 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts reaching 14 knots. A wind shift was reported about 9 minutes prior to the accident.

Investigation Status

The accident circumstances are under investigation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 2003 Cessna R172K accident near Warrenton, VA?

An airplane veered left during landing on runway 32, entered tall grass, and nosed over into a ditch, coming to rest inverted. Winds from 310 degrees at 10 knots gusting 14 were reported, with a wind shift minutes prior.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 2003 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N736AT, at Warrenton, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation the shifting wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control. A factor related to the accident was the shifting wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030610X00843. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.