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Casualties unknown

Aircraft flipped onto its back by strong gusty winds during taxi (N3749R)

Great Falls, MT, US

On May 14, 1986, a Cessna 172H (registration N3749R) operated by Kirby And Penny Underahl was involved in an aviation accident near Great Falls, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during taxi in strong gusty winds, which resulted in the aircraft being flipped onto its back. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

Strong surface winds caused an aircraft to flip onto its back while the pilot was taxiing and looking for a tie-down spot after landing.

What happened

The pilot reported that after landing on runway 24, he began back-taxiing on runway 06. During this maneuver, he encountered strong and gusty surface winds. The pilot stopped the aircraft and looked for a suitable location to tie down. While stationary, a strong wind gust flipped the aircraft onto its back.

Findings

Surface wind conditions at the time of the accident were reported from 260 degrees at 33 knots with gusts reaching 42 miles per hour. The strong gusty winds were the primary factor in the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during taxi in strong gusty winds, which resulted in the aircraft being flipped onto its back.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 May 1986 Cessna 172H accident near Great Falls, MT?

Strong surface winds caused an aircraft to flip onto its back while the pilot was taxiing and looking for a tie-down spot after landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 May 1986 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N3749R, operated by Kirby And Penny Underahl, at Great Falls, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during taxi in strong gusty winds, which resulted in the aircraft being flipped onto its back.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.