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Wind Gust During Touchdown Damages Aircraft on Approach (N9673B)

Glens Falls, NY, US

On August 16, 2003, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9673B) was involved in an aviation accident near Glens Falls, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the flare/touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the pilot's improper decision to land during thunderstorm activity. 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

While approaching an airport, a pilot encountered a thunderstorm and elected to land on runway 30. During touchdown, a wind gust lifted the aircraft, causing a hard landing and damage to the propeller, firewall, nose gear, and lower fuselage.

Approach and Landing

While on approach to the airport, the pilot encountered a thunderstorm cell and decided to utilize runway 30, which measures 4,000 feet long and 100 feet wide with an asphalt surface. The pilot reported approaching at a faster airspeed due to expected crosswinds or wind shear.

Touchdown and Impact

Upon touchdown, the aircraft was lifted from the front left quarter by a wind gust and subsequently landed hard. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, firewall, nose gear, and lower portions of the fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the aircraft.

Weather Conditions

A weather observation taken at the airport near the time of the incident recorded winds from 270 degrees at 6 knots, visibility of 3 miles with light rain and mist. The remarks section of the observation noted lightning in the distance to the east, southwest, and west of the airport.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 2003 Cessna 172RG accident near Glens Falls, NY?

While approaching an airport, a pilot encountered a thunderstorm and elected to land on runway 30. During touchdown, a wind gust lifted the aircraft, causing a hard landing and damage to the propeller, firewall, nose gear, and lower fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Aug 2003 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 2003 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9673B, at Glens Falls, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the flare/touchdown, which resulted in a hard landing. Factors in this accident were wind gusts and the pilot's improper decision to land during thunderstorm activity.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030917X01554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.