On January 2, 1989, a Cessna 172 (registration N4440L) was involved in an aviation accident near Cheyenne, WY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxi in strong crosswind gusts, which caused the aircraft to nosed over. 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.
A pilot with ATP rating experienced a gust that lifted the tail of his aircraft while taxiing for takeoff, causing it to nosed over and come to rest inverted.
What happened
The pilot, holding an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, was maneuvering the aircraft along Taxiway B toward Runway 26 in preparation for departure. While moving on the ground, he noticed a sudden gust of wind lift the tail of the aircraft. This aerodynamic force caused the nose to drop sharply, resulting in the aircraft nosing over and coming to rest in an inverted position.
The pilot reported that the wind was blowing from 250 degrees with gusts reaching 45 knots. Meteorological observations recorded at 1516 MST confirmed these conditions, noting winds from 280 degrees at 30 knots with gusts up to 45 knots.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxi in strong crosswind gusts, which caused the aircraft to nosed over.
What happened in the 2 Jan 1989 Cessna 172 accident near Cheyenne, WY?
A pilot with ATP rating experienced a gust that lifted the tail of his aircraft while taxiing for takeoff, causing it to nosed over and come to rest inverted.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Jan 1989 Cessna 172 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna 172, registration N4440L, at Cheyenne, WY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during taxi in strong crosswind gusts, which caused the aircraft to nosed over.
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