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Landing Accident Involving Crosswind and Ground Loop (N5609B)

Hudson, CO, US

On December 28, 2003, a Cessna 182 (registration N5609B) was involved in an aviation accident near Hudson, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to an excessive crosswind component, resulting in an uncontrolled groundloop/swerve. Contributing factors were the crosswind gust and the soft, sandy terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landing on runway 33 reported a left crosswind and an apparent gust of 40 mph, causing the airplane to ground loop, depart the runway, dig a wheel into sandy ground, and nose over.

Incident Description

A pilot experienced a ground loop while landing on runway 33. The airplane departed the runway after the right wheel dug into sandy ground, causing it to nose over.

Pilot Account

The pilot initially reported a left 30-degree crosswind but later stated it was a 70-degree crosswind. He described an apparent gust of approximately 40 mph that caused the airplane to ground loop to the left side of the runway. The airplane then left the runway surface, and the right wheel dug into the sandy ground, resulting in the nose-over.

Wind Analysis

According to the Wind Component Chart, a 30-degree crosswind at 40 mph corresponds to a crosswind component of 20 mph. Under a 70-degree crosswind at 40 mph, the crosswind component would be 38 mph. A spokesperson for the airplane manufacturer stated that the maximum crosswind component for the airplane is 15 mph.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 182 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Dec 2003 Cessna 182 accident near Hudson, CO?

A pilot landing on runway 33 reported a left crosswind and an apparent gust of 40 mph, causing the airplane to ground loop, depart the runway, dig a wheel into sandy ground, and nose over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Dec 2003 involved a Cessna 182, registration N5609B, at Hudson, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control due to an excessive crosswind component, resulting in an uncontrolled groundloop/swerve. Contributing factors were the crosswind gust and the soft, sandy terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040108X00037. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.