No fatalities

Airplane Damaged After Landing Long on Dirt Road (N2579U)

Halls Crossing, UT, US

On June 10, 2007, a Cessna 172D (registration N2579U) was involved in an aviation accident near Halls Crossing, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll on a curved dirt road with a tailwind, resulting in departure from the surface and impact with rough terrain. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot landed long with excessive airspeed on a dirt road backcountry strip with a tailwind, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and strike rough terrain.

What happened

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land on a dirt road being used as a backcountry airstrip. He noted that he had a tailwind during the approach and touchdown. The aircraft touched down beyond the intended point with excessive airspeed. As the airplane traveled down the road, the surface curved. The aircraft left the paved or graded surface and entered rough terrain.

The investigation

Following the event, an inspection of the aircraft revealed significant structural damage. The nose landing gear was bent aft. The left wing was also bent aft, with wrinkling observed on the upper surface of the wing.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll on a curved dirt road with a tailwind, resulting in departure from the surface and impact with rough terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jun 2007 Cessna 172D accident near Halls Crossing, UT?

The pilot landed long with excessive airspeed on a dirt road backcountry strip with a tailwind, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and strike rough terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jun 2007 Cessna 172D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jun 2007 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2579U, at Halls Crossing, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll on a curved dirt road with a tailwind, resulting in departure from the surface and impact with rough terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070730X01055. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.