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Cessna 182 Sustains Substantial Damage After Runway Excursion During Crosswind Landing (N2861R)

Durango, CO, US

On April 21, 2004, a Cessna 182K (registration N2861R) operated by Robert E. Wolff was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making. Contributing factors include the crosswind and the crosswind component exceeded. 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 landing on runway 20, a gust of wind caused the airplane to drift left off the runway. The nose wheel stuck in soft dirt, tearing off and tipping the airplane onto its left wing, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Description

While landing on runway 20, the pilot encountered a gust of wind. The gust caused the airplane to drift to the left and depart the runway surface. During the ground roll on the soft terrain adjacent to the runway, the nose wheel became stuck in soft dirt. The resulting force tore the nose wheel off the airplane, and the aircraft subsequently tipped onto its left wing. The event resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.

Weather Conditions

At 1653, the routine aviation weather report (METAR) indicated wind from 280 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 22 knots. At 1707, a peak wind of 270 degrees at 30 knots was recorded. The recorded wind conditions produced crosswind components that varied between 12 knots and 29 knots.

Aircraft Information

The airplane involved was a Cessna 182. According to the Cessna Information Manual for the C182, the maximum demonstrated crosswind component for the aircraft is 18 knots.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Apr 2004 Cessna 182K accident near Durango, CO?

During landing on runway 20, a gust of wind caused the airplane to drift left off the runway. The nose wheel stuck in soft dirt, tearing off and tipping the airplane onto its left wing, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Apr 2004 Cessna 182K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Apr 2004 involved a Cessna 182K, registration N2861R, operated by Robert E. Wolff, at Durango, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision making. Contributing factors include the crosswind and the crosswind component exceeded.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040504X00553. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.