Casualties unknown

Wind Lifts Tail During Taxi Turn, Flipping Aircraft After Landing (N7412D)

Charlotte, NC, US

On December 6, 1983, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7412D) was involved in an aviation accident near Charlotte, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Wind lifted the tail during a turn, causing the aircraft to flip over. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After a successful landing in gusty winds, the pilot attempted a 180-degree taxi turn when wind lifted the tail, flipping the aircraft onto its top. Pre-flight and ATC advisories had warned of strong winds and wind shear.

Weather Briefing and En Route Advisories

Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing indicating that winds at Charlotte, North Carolina, were forecast from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 24 knots. The briefing also included warnings of moderate to severe turbulence and high en route winds. While in flight, the pilot observed that the ground speed exceeded 150 miles per hour.

Upon contacting Charlotte Approach Control, the pilot was informed that the actual winds were from 230 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 42 knots. Additionally, the controller advised that wind shear was expected at 500 feet, sufficient to cause a 25-knot loss of airspeed.

Approach and Landing

Despite the adverse wind conditions, the pilot continued the approach and executed a successful landing. No issues were reported during the landing phase.

Post-Landing Incident

After landing, the pilot began a 180-degree turn to taxi to the fixed-base operator (FBO). During this turn, the wind caught the tail of the aircraft, lifting it and flipping the aircraft onto its top. The aircraft came to rest inverted.

The pilot had been explicitly warned of strong and gusty winds both before takeoff and during the approach, but the landing was completed without incident. The upset occurred during the taxi maneuver.

Probable cause

Wind lifted the tail during a turn, causing the aircraft to flip over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45227. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.