Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overturns During Crosswind Turn on Taxiway (N64508)

Champaign, IL, US

On April 6, 1988, a Cessna 172M (registration N64508) operated by H. M. Johnson was involved in an aviation accident near Champaign, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not sufficiently compensate for the existing wind conditions while attempting the left turn onto the taxiway, resulting in the aircraft being blown over 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who had just landed was instructed to perform a 180-degree turn on the runway and then turn left onto a taxiway. While turning, the pilot did not compensate for crosswind conditions, causing the aircraft to blow over onto its back.

Incident Summary

A recently landed aircraft was being maneuvered on the runway under the guidance of the tower. The pilot was directed to execute a 180-degree turn on the runway and then make a left turn onto the first taxiway. During the left turn, which was performed in a crosswind, the aircraft was blown over onto its back.

Sequence of Events

After landing, the pilot contacted the tower for taxi instructions. The tower instructed the pilot to perform a 180-degree turn on the runway, followed by a left turn onto the first taxiway. The pilot successfully completed the 180-degree turn. However, while attempting the left turn onto the taxiway, the existing wind conditions affected the aircraft's handling. The pilot did not sufficiently compensate for the crosswind, and as a result, the aircraft was blown over onto its back. The incident occurred on the taxiway.

Probable Cause

The pilot did not sufficiently compensate for the existing wind conditions while turning left onto the taxiway, resulting in the aircraft being blown over onto its back.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Apr 1988 Cessna 172M accident near Champaign, IL?

A pilot who had just landed was instructed to perform a 180-degree turn on the runway and then turn left onto a taxiway. While turning, the pilot did not compensate for crosswind conditions, causing the aircraft to blow over onto its back.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Apr 1988 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N64508, operated by H. M. Johnson, at Champaign, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not sufficiently compensate for the existing wind conditions while attempting the left turn onto the taxiway, resulting in the aircraft being blown over onto its back.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25430. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.