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Airplane Noses Over During Takeoff Roll Due to Gust of Wind (N8956Q)

Las Vegas, NM, US

On April 14, 2004, a Cessna 180A (registration N8956Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NM. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and his failure to maintain directional control. 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
Aircraft registered N8956Q
Aircraft registered N8956Q. Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff from runway 14, a gust of wind caused the airplane to weathervane and nose over, resulting in substantial damage. Crosswind component exceeded maximum demonstrated.

Event

During the takeoff roll on runway 14, a gust of wind weathervaned the tail of the airplane into the wind. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over, substantially damaging the airplane.

Weather Conditions

The Aviation Routine Weather Report indicated winds from 260 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots. At 1609, a peak wind from 270 degrees at 30 knots was recorded. The crosswind component was calculated to be a 12 to 31 knot tailwind relative to the runway.

Aircraft Information

According to the Cessna Pilot Operating Handbook, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component is 12 knots. The calculated crosswind component exceeded this demonstrated value.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Apr 2004 Cessna 180A accident near Las Vegas, NM?

During takeoff from runway 14, a gust of wind caused the airplane to weathervane and nose over, resulting in substantial damage. Crosswind component exceeded maximum demonstrated.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Apr 2004 Cessna 180A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Apr 2004 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N8956Q, at Las Vegas, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and his failure to maintain directional control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040504X00552. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.