Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overturns During Takeoff Roll Amid Strong Gusting Winds (N8542B)

Las Vegas, NV, US

On March 11, 1982, a Cessna 172 (registration N8542B) operated by Clarence D. Bean was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff preparation while operating in gusting wind conditions and wake turbulence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft overturned on the runway while preparing for takeoff after encountering severe wake turbulence and shifting winds from a departing jet.

What happened

The accident occurred while the pilot was preparing to depart. Before being cleared to proceed, the pilot received a caution regarding wake turbulence generated by a jet that had recently departed the airport. Following this warning, the aircraft was cleared into position and held at the runway threshold.

At the time of the incident, meteorological reports indicated winds coming from 230 degrees with gusts reaching 29 knots. As the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to align with the runway centerline for takeoff, the plane encountered a complex wind pattern. The airflow shifted dynamically, exposing the aircraft to winds from the right rear quadrant, then directly from the side, and finally from the front quarter.

During this alignment phase, the aircraft lost stability and overturned on the ground.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff preparation while operating in gusting wind conditions and wake turbulence.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Mar 1982 Cessna 172 accident near Las Vegas, NV?

An aircraft overturned on the runway while preparing for takeoff after encountering severe wake turbulence and shifting winds from a departing jet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Mar 1982 involved a Cessna 172, registration N8542B, operated by Clarence D. Bean, at Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff preparation while operating in gusting wind conditions and wake turbulence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02195. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.