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Single-Engine Airplane Nose Gear Collapses During Crosswind Landing (N988SP)

Spicewood, TX, US

On December 31, 2006, a Cessna 172S (registration N988SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Spicewood, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for the existing wind conditions resulting in a loss of directional control. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the muddy terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

A private pilot lost directional control during a crosswind landing, causing the airplane to veer off the runway. The nose gear collapsed, flipping the aircraft. The pilot was uninjured.

Accident Details

A 270-hour private pilot lost directional control of a single-engine airplane during a crosswind landing on runway 35. The runway was dry, 4,185 feet long and 30 feet wide, constructed of asphalt.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot's report, while slowing down on the runway, a sudden gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right (east) and off the runway. Subsequently, the nose gear dug into the mud and collapsed, causing the airplane to flip onto its back.

Weather Conditions

The weather reported at a facility 25 nautical miles to the east included wind from 300 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 22 knots. Skies were clear, and visibility was 10 miles.

Damage and Injuries

The airplane sustained structural damage. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft through the cabin door and sustained no injuries.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Dec 2006 Cessna 172S accident near Spicewood, TX?

A private pilot lost directional control during a crosswind landing, causing the airplane to veer off the runway. The nose gear collapsed, flipping the aircraft. The pilot was uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 2006 Cessna 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Dec 2006 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N988SP, at Spicewood, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to compensate for the existing wind conditions resulting in a loss of directional control. Factors were the gusty crosswind and the muddy terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070208X00154. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.