No fatalities

Airplane Noses Over After Crosswind Landing Results in Substantial Wing Damage

Apple River, IL, United States

On March 1, 2008, a Cessna 172 operated by Pilot was involved in an aviation accident near Apple River, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to obtain/maintain directional control. Contributing factors were a crosswind and a snow bank. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that during a soft field landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust pushed the airplane off the runway, causing it to contact a snow bank and nose over, substantially damaging both wings.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the airplane entered the airport traffic pattern and performed a visual approach to runway 35. The landing direction experienced a 90-degree crosswind. The pilot noted being "slow" on final approach and executed a soft field landing procedure.

Sequence of Events

Upon touchdown, a wind gust pushed the airplane off the runway. The left main landing gear tire contacted a snow bank, causing the airplane to nose over. Both wings sustained substantial damage.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to both wings. No other damage was reported in the source.

Wind Conditions

The source describes a 90-degree crosswind relative to the landing direction. A wind gust was specifically mentioned as having pushed the airplane off the runway after touchdown.

Landing Procedure

The pilot employed a soft field landing procedure. The approach was noted to be "slow" on final, as stated by the pilot.

Conclusions from the Source

The source provides no explicit probable cause or contributing factors. The sequence of events is reported as described by the pilot, without analysis or causal links.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

CrosswindSnowy/icy

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Mar 2008 Cessna 172 accident near Apple River, IL?

A pilot reported that during a soft field landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust pushed the airplane off the runway, causing it to contact a snow bank and nose over, substantially damaging both wings.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Mar 2008 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Mar 2008 involved a Cessna 172, operated by Pilot, at Apple River, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to obtain/maintain directional control. Contributing factors were a crosswind and a snow bank.