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Casualties unknown

Aircraft rolls inverted after landing on wet runway in high winds (N3781F)

Morehead, KY, US

On April 9, 1991, a Cessna 172H (registration N3781F) operated by Roger Wend was involved in an aviation accident near Morehead, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during a turn in strong crosswind conditions on a wet runway, which resulted in the aircraft tipping and rolling inverted. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft tipped onto its nose and rolled inverted while turning off a wet runway during strong crosswinds, coming to rest just south of the pavement.

What happened

The pilot reported that he had just landed on runway 23 and initiated a left turn to clear the active surface. At the time of the incident, surface winds were reported from 230 degrees at 30 knots, with gusts reaching 40 knots, and the runway surface was wet. As the aircraft executed the turn, it first tipped onto its nose to the left before rolling completely inverted. The aircraft then landed approximately 30 feet south of the runway.

Findings

The accident occurred under conditions of strong crosswinds and reduced traction due to a wet runway. The combination of high wind speeds and the maneuvering of the aircraft on a slippery surface contributed to the loss of control during the ground roll.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during a turn in strong crosswind conditions on a wet runway, which resulted in the aircraft tipping and rolling inverted.
Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Apr 1991 Cessna 172H accident near Morehead, KY?

An aircraft tipped onto its nose and rolled inverted while turning off a wet runway during strong crosswinds, coming to rest just south of the pavement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Apr 1991 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N3781F, operated by Roger Wend, at Morehead, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft during a turn in strong crosswind conditions on a wet runway, which resulted in the aircraft tipping and rolling inverted.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16737. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.