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Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Aircraft Blown Over by Wind Gust During Takeoff (N8224X)

Roswell, NM, US

On January 24, 1987, a Cessna 172B (registration N8224X) operated by Mike Haigood/bill Hardage was involved in an aviation accident near Roswell, NM. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot landing at Roswell, refueling, and filing a return VFR flight plan did not obtain an updated weather briefing. A cold front had passed, bringing wind shifts and gusts. During takeoff from Runway 30, a gust raised the right wing and blew the aircraft over.

Flight Planning

A student pilot obtained a weather briefing from the Fort Worth Flight Service Station and filed a VFR flight plan for a cross-country flight from Plainview, Texas, to Roswell, New Mexico, with a stop at Hobbs, New Mexico. After landing at Roswell and refueling, the pilot filed a return VFR flight plan but did not obtain an updated weather briefing.

Weather Conditions

A cold front had passed through the area, bringing a wind shift and high gusty winds. The pilot was cleared for takeoff on Runway 30 and was informed that the winds were from 310 degrees at 29 knots.

Takeoff Incident

As the pilot released the brakes, the Air Traffic Control Tower advised that the winds were now from 310 degrees at 39 knots. A wind gust raised the right wing, and the aircraft was blown over.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jan 1987 Cessna 172B accident near Roswell, NM?

A student pilot landing at Roswell, refueling, and filing a return VFR flight plan did not obtain an updated weather briefing. A cold front had passed, bringing wind shifts and gusts. During takeoff from Runway 30, a gust raised the right wing and blew the aircraft over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jan 1987 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N8224X, operated by Mike Haigood/bill Hardage, at Roswell, NM.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30069. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.