FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Trees in Airport Traffic Pattern (N9651Q)

Ardmore, OK, US

On September 11, 2003, a Cessna 172M (registration N9651Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Ardmore, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind conditions from the east. 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

An aircraft collided with trees while in the traffic pattern at an airport. The pilot reported encountering a downdraft during a left base turn for landing. Weather conditions included southeast winds at 9-11 knots gusting to 16 knots.

Incident Overview

An aircraft struck trees while operating in the airport traffic pattern. The pilot stated that the collision occurred when he encountered a downdraft while turning left base for landing on Runway 17.

Runway Information

Runway 17 measures 5,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width.

Weather Conditions

According to the weather observation facility at the airport (1F0), winds were from the southeast at 9 to 11 knots, with gusts reaching 16 knots. Official sunset was calculated by the U.S. Naval Observatory to be at 1943 local time.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that a downdraft affected the aircraft during the left base turn, leading to the collision with trees.

Additional Details

No further information has been provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, occupants, injuries, or damage. The investigation remains ongoing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 2003 Cessna 172M accident near Ardmore, OK?

An aircraft collided with trees while in the traffic pattern at an airport. The pilot reported encountering a downdraft during a left base turn for landing. Weather conditions included southeast winds at 9-11 knots gusting to 16 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 2003 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9651Q, at Ardmore, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for existing wind conditions. A contributing factor was the gusty crosswind conditions from the east.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030929X01613. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.