No fatalities

Pilot Reports Wind Gust Led to Bounced Landing and Nose-Over

Truckee, CA, United States

On July 14, 2010, a CESSNA 170 operated by TAHOE WINGS LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, resulting in a collision with obstacles. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after a touchdown during calm wind conditions, a gust caused the airplane to bounce. Two bounces and a right turn led to an aborted landing; the right main gear struck a rock, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Accident Description

According to the pilot's report, the incident occurred while flying in the traffic pattern. The Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) reported the wind as calm at the time. Shortly after the airplane touched down, a gust of wind struck the aircraft, causing it to bounce. The pilot added power, but the airplane bounced a second time and turned to the right.

In response, the pilot initiated an aborted landing and pulled the nose of the airplane upward to clear a berm located on the right side of the runway. The left main landing gear cleared the berm, but the right main landing gear struck a rock, which caused the aircraft to nose over.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that there were no known mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident. The aircraft had been operating normally throughout the flight.

Contributing factors

Response/compensationPilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 2010 CESSNA 170 accident near Truckee, CA?

A pilot reported that after a touchdown during calm wind conditions, a gust caused the airplane to bounce. Two bounces and a right turn led to an aborted landing; the right main gear struck a rock, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jul 2010 CESSNA 170 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 2010 involved a CESSNA 170, operated by TAHOE WINGS LLC, at Truckee, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during an aborted landing, resulting in a collision with obstacles.