CESSNA 172 near Tistusville, FL — 2013-03-24

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control while taxiing in gusting wind conditions associated with nearby thunderstorm activity.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he elected to land because there were thunderstorms between his location and the destination airport. He landed the airplane without incident and was taxiing to a parking area when the wind increased. The wind lifted the tail of the airplane; it nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and empennage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The weather reported at an airport located 6 miles east of the accident location indicated thunderstorm activity and wind from 240 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 19 knots; peak wind gusts of 52 knots were recorded repeatedly during a 30 minute period around the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

• Windshear or thunderstorm · Taxi-from runway

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Memorandum of Record: Pilot Statementinterview
• TTS Weather Observationsother
• Photo 1: View of Airplane At Rest (Courtesy of WFTV)photos

Related mishaps

• CESSNA 172R

  2014-04-07 · Daytona Beach, FL