No fatalities

Airplane Noses Over After Departing Runway During Landing Rollout

Red Lodge, MT, United States

On February 10, 2008, a Maule M-7-235 operated by Steven G. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Red Lodge, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing rollout with a left crosswind, the airplane drifted left, departed the runway, struck a snow bank, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar and empennage. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

Accident Synopsis

A pilot experienced a runway excursion during the landing rollout on runway 16. The airplane had touched down normally, but a left drift developed during the rollout. The pilot applied right brake and rudder inputs to correct the drift, but the airplane departed the runway surface and struck a snow bank, causing the airplane to nose over.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the landing touchdown on runway 16 was normal. However, during the rollout, the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot applied right brake and rudder in an attempt to correct the situation. Despite these inputs, the airplane continued to the left, exited the runway surface, impacted a snow bank, and then nosed over.

Damage and Findings

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wing spar and empennage. No mechanical anomalies were reported by the pilot. The reported wind at the time of the accident was from 130 degrees at 10 knots, indicating a left crosswind condition. No information was provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupant status.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

CrosswindSnowy/icy

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 2008 Maule M-7-235 accident near Red Lodge, MT?

During landing rollout with a left crosswind, the airplane drifted left, departed the runway, struck a snow bank, and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar and empennage. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Feb 2008 Maule M-7-235 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 2008 involved a Maule M-7-235, operated by Steven G. Smith, at Red Lodge, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.