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Casualties unknown

Tail-Wheel Cessna Veers Off Runway After Gust of Wind, Landing Gear Collapses (N2251C)

Great Falls, MT, US

On June 18, 2006, a Cessna 180 (registration N2251C) operated by Dennis A. Wyatt was involved in an aviation accident near Great Falls, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. A crosswind was a factor. 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 takeoff roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing of a tail-wheel Cessna, causing the aircraft to veer left and exit Runway 34. The right main landing gear subsequently collapsed. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Incident Details

According to a written statement from the pilot, during the takeoff roll, near rotation speed, the tail-wheel equipped Cessna was hit by a gust of wind. The pilot reported that the right wing went up and the airplane veered to the left. The pilot was unable to correct the situation, and the airplane subsequently exited Runway 34.

Landing Gear Collapse

The pilot stated that at some point during this sequence of events, the right main landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the runway excursion and landing gear failure.

Pilot Report

The accident report submitted by the pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft at the time of the accident. The pilot provided no further details regarding wind conditions or the specific timing of the landing gear collapse.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 2006 Cessna 180 accident near Great Falls, MT?

During takeoff roll, a gust of wind lifted the right wing of a tail-wheel Cessna, causing the aircraft to veer left and exit Runway 34. The right main landing gear subsequently collapsed. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 2006 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2251C, operated by Dennis A. Wyatt, at Great Falls, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. A crosswind was a factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060726X01019. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.