Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to soft runway conditions.
NTSB analysis
While landing on a dirt airstrip, the airplane's left main wheel encountered soft dirt and the airplane subsequently exited the side of the runway. Shortly thereafter, the nose gear sunk into soft terrain and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in an inverted position. The pilot and two passengers were able to exit the airplane unassisted. An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the vertical stabilizer sustained structural damage. There were no reported problems with the airplane's flight controls.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA489 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gateway, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Hubbard (9CO3)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182P
- N-number
- N61TM
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.