Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Aircraft Nosed Over During Taxi After Diversion (N98525)

Las Vegas, NV, US

On March 10, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N98525) operated by William J. Walker was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot, who departed without a flight plan or weather briefing, diverted due to unfavorable winds and experienced a wind gust that nosed the aircraft over inverted during taxi.

Incident Overview

A student pilot conducted a cross-country flight without filing a flight plan or obtaining a weather briefing. Upon returning to the originating airport, the pilot found the winds unfavorable for landing at that location. The pilot then diverted to an alternate airport where the winds were more directly aligned with the runway. After landing, while taxiing, a strong gust of wind occurred, causing the aircraft to nose over and become inverted.

Flight Details

The student pilot departed the originating airport for a cross-country flight. No flight plan was filed, and a weather briefing was not obtained prior to departure. The flight proceeded to its destination and returned to the originating airport, where the pilot discovered that the wind conditions were not suitable for landing. A decision was made to divert to an alternate airport where the wind direction was more favorable for the runway in use.

Landing and Taxi Incident

After landing at the alternate airport, the pilot began taxiing. A strong gust of wind then occurred, which nosed the aircraft over onto its back, leaving it inverted.

Post-Incident Information

The source does not provide further details regarding the aircraft, pilot injuries, or extent of damage.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Mar 1988 Cessna 172 accident near Las Vegas, NV?

A student pilot, who departed without a flight plan or weather briefing, diverted due to unfavorable winds and experienced a wind gust that nosed the aircraft over inverted during taxi.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Mar 1988 involved a Cessna 172, registration N98525, operated by William J. Walker, at Las Vegas, NV.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25349. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.