Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over After Gust-Induced Loss of Control During Takeoff (N3348R)

Randolph, UT, US

On October 7, 2003, a Cessna 182L (registration N3348R) was involved in an aviation accident near Randolph, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Contributing factors were the wind gusts and crosswind 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

During a short-field takeoff, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, triggering a stall warning. The pilot applied full right rudder, but the aircraft descended left-wing-low, struck the ground, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. Tail and engine separated.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a short-field takeoff with a right crosswind, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 75 to 100 feet when a gust of wind lifted the right wing. The stall warning horn then activated. In response, the pilot applied full right rudder. The aircraft subsequently descended in a left-wing-low attitude, struck the ground, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. The tail section separated from the fuselage, and the engine detached from its mounts, coming to rest beneath the tail.

Environmental Conditions

The pilot reported that the wind was from 200 degrees at 8 knots, with gusts to 15 knots.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Oct 2003 Cessna 182L accident near Randolph, UT?

During a short-field takeoff, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, triggering a stall warning. The pilot applied full right rudder, but the aircraft descended left-wing-low, struck the ground, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. Tail and engine separated.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Oct 2003 involved a Cessna 182L, registration N3348R, at Randolph, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. Contributing factors were the wind gusts and crosswind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031014X01720. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.