No fatalities

Airplane Noses Over After Runway Excursion During Crosswind Landing

Kelso, WA, United States

On March 9, 2012, a CESSNA 172N operated by BOWDEN DAVID L was involved in an aviation accident near Kelso, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing flare. 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

During landing on runway 12 with a 6-knot crosswind, the pilot reported a wind-induced tail movement. Despite corrective inputs, the airplane veered right, exited the runway, and nosed over, causing wing skin and lift strut damage.

Accident Sequence

The pilot was landing the airplane on runway 12. According to the automated weather observing system (AWOS), the wind was from 170 degrees at 6 knots. During the landing flare, the pilot stated that the wind pushed the tail of the airplane to the left. In response, he applied left rudder and power to align the airplane with the runway.

Despite these corrective actions, the airplane continued to veer to the right. It subsequently departed the right side of the runway and nosed over in the soft ground adjacent to the runway.

Damage

Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed damage including wrinkled wing skin and a buckled left lift strut.

Investigation

The information provided is based on the pilot's account and AWOS data. No further details regarding the aircraft, operator, or environmental conditions are specified in the source.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Response/compensation

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 2012 CESSNA 172N accident near Kelso, WA?

During landing on runway 12 with a 6-knot crosswind, the pilot reported a wind-induced tail movement. Despite corrective inputs, the airplane veered right, exited the runway, and nosed over, causing wing skin and lift strut damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Mar 2012 CESSNA 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 2012 involved a CESSNA 172N, operated by BOWDEN DAVID L, at Kelso, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing flare.