Casualties unknown

Gust Upsets Airplane During Taxi Hold (N4417L)

Reno, NV, US

On March 2, 1991, a Cessna 172G (registration N4417L) operated by Kenneth G. Warner was involved in an aviation accident near Reno, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING/PREPARATION DECISION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE HIGH WIND CONDITION AND THE PILOT IN COMMANDS INABILITY TO COMPENSATE FOR THE WIND CONDITION. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot held on a 070-degree heading during taxi when a gust of wind tipped the airplane onto its nose and left wing. Earlier ATIS reported wind from 130 degrees at 15 knots gusting 25; minutes later, wind was reported from 150 degrees at 40 knots.

Incident Details

At 1432 hours, a commercial pilot listened to the local ATIS broadcast, which reported the surface wind direction from 130 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. The pilot then elected to taxi for takeoff and proceeded in accordance with his taxi clearance. While en route to the active runway, the pilot stopped his airplane on a 070-degree heading to allow ground traffic to pass his position.

Sequence of Events

While holding in position, a gust of wind upset the airplane, tipping it onto its nose and left wing. Two minutes later, the ground controller notified another airplane that the wind was presently from 150 degrees at 40 knots. No further information regarding injuries or damage was provided in the source.

Wind Conditions

The initial ATIS report indicated a wind from 130 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots. The later report, two minutes after the incident, indicated wind from 150 degrees at 40 knots, showing a significant increase in wind speed and a shift in direction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16623. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.