Casualties unknown

Aircraft Flips Over During Taxi in High Winds (N2381A)

Plainfield, IL, US

On November 22, 1984, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N2381A) was involved in an aviation accident near Plainfield, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxiing due to strong wind conditions exceeding the aircraft's ground handling capabilities. 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

An aircraft flipped over after strong winds lifted the right wing while the pilot was taxiing and turning into a tie-down area. The pilot survived and recommended avoiding operations beyond ground handling limits.

What happened

The accident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing on the ground following a landing. The pilot had been taxiing southward when making a turn into a designated tie-down area. At the time of the incident, the flaps were in the down position, and the control wheel was held forward with left aileron input applied.

Strong wind conditions lifted the right wing of the aircraft. This aerodynamic force caused the aircraft to flip over onto its side or roof. The pilot survived the accident without serious injury.

Safety message

The pilot recommended that operators should not fly in winds that exceed the aircraft's specified ground handling limitations.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during taxiing due to strong wind conditions exceeding the aircraft's ground handling capabilities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.