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Wind Gusts Lead to Nose Gear Collapse During Landing (N6583D)

Bridgeport, CT, US

On April 10, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N6583D) operated by Three Wing Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgeport, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the gusty winds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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

During landing on runway 28, wind gusts caused the airplane to veer left, then balloon and slam down, resulting in a nosewheel tire pop, nose gear collapse, and propeller strike.

Incident Overview

The pilot was landing on runway 28 when the airplane encountered a wind gust approximately 20 feet above the runway, blowing it off the left side of the centerline. After realigning the aircraft with the centerline, a second gust caused the airplane to "balloon" upward and then "slam" back down onto the runway.

Damage Details

The impact caused the nose wheel tire to "pop," subsequently collapsing the nose gear assembly. The propeller struck the ground, buckling the firewall. The pilot reported no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Pilot Experience and Wind Conditions

The pilot reported a total of 142 hours of flight experience, with 3 hours in the accident make and model. The reported winds were from 280 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Apr 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Bridgeport, CT?

During landing on runway 28, wind gusts caused the airplane to veer left, then balloon and slam down, resulting in a nosewheel tire pop, nose gear collapse, and propeller strike.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Apr 2004 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Apr 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6583D, operated by Three Wing Flying Service, at Bridgeport, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and his failure to maintain aircraft control which resulted in a hard landing. A factor was the gusty winds.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040503X00549. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.