Casualties unknown

Aircraft Inverted After Wind Gusts During Landing Rollout (N5712Z)

LA Belle, FL, US

On April 28, 1993, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5712Z) operated by Haering, Harold J. was involved in an aviation accident near LA Belle, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMANDS FAILURE TO CORRECT FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING LANDING ROLLOUT RESULTING IN THE AIRCRAFT FLIPPING OVER DURING WIND GUST ENCOUNTER. 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 pilot encountered increasing wind gusts after takeoff and returned for a landing on grass. During rollout, easterly wind gusts lifted the left wing, causing the aircraft to flip inverted.

Incident Details

During preflight inspection, the pilot noted that the wind was not greater than 15 knots. As the aircraft taxied for takeoff, the wind became gusty. After takeoff, the wind gusts increased significantly.

Landing

The pilot elected to return for a landing on the grass area adjacent to runway 14. During the landing rollout, easterly wind gusts lifted the left wing. The aircraft subsequently flipped over the right wing and nose, coming to rest in an inverted position.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest inverted on the grass. The pilot had reported that the wind was not greater than 15 knots during preflight but became gusty during taxi and significantly stronger after takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12204. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.