Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Snow Bank and Inverts During Landing in Gusty Winds (N61648)

Cumberland, MD, US

On February 7, 2004, a Cessna 172M (registration N61648) was involved in an aviation accident near Cumberland, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind while landing. A factor was the crosswind. 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

A pilot lost directional control during landing when a gust forced the airplane left; it struck a snow bank and came to rest inverted. Wind was from 330° at 6 knots gusting to 14 knots.

Accident Sequence

Prior to landing, the pilot obtained local weather information. As the airplane touched down on runway 23, a gust of wind forced the airplane to the left. The pilot responded by adding power and applying right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer left. It subsequently struck a snow bank and came to rest inverted.

Weather Conditions

The reported wind at the airport around the time of the accident was from 330 degrees, varying between 290 degrees and 360 degrees, at 6 knots with gusts to 14 knots.

Pilot Actions

After the gust pushed the airplane left during touchdown, the pilot added power and applied right rudder in an attempt to correct the drift. Despite these inputs, the airplane was unable to recover directionally and departed the runway surface.

Outcome

The airplane struck a snow bank and came to rest inverted. The source does not specify injuries, damage, or other consequences.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 2004 Cessna 172M accident near Cumberland, MD?

A pilot lost directional control during landing when a gust forced the airplane left; it struck a snow bank and came to rest inverted. Wind was from 330° at 6 knots gusting to 14 knots.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 2004 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N61648, at Cumberland, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind while landing. A factor was the crosswind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040220X00212. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.