No fatalities

Aircraft Noses Over During Taxi After Crosswind Landing (N5115K)

Auburn, WA, US

On March 30, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N5115K) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilots' inadequate evaluation of the strong winds, when they attempted to turn to taxi with a very strong tailwind. Factors relating to the accident included the high and unfavorable winds. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing in strong crosswinds, a flight instructor receiving a flight review turned off the runway. While taxiing, excessive winds caused the aircraft to nose over, damaging the right wing, vertical fin, rudder, and tailcone.

Incident Details

Following a landing in strong crosswinds, the flight instructor who was receiving a flight review turned the aircraft off the active runway to taxi toward the ramp. Upon turning east, away from the prevailing winds, the two flight instructors found the wind conditions too strong to continue taxiing and decided to turn back into the wind. Before the turn was completed, the wind lifted the aircraft's tail, causing it to nose over.

Damage

The nose-over resulted in damage to the right wing, vertical fin, rudder, and tailcone. Specific details regarding the extent of the damage were not provided.

Background

According to the official source, two flight instructors were on board during the event. The flight instructor receiving the flight review was at the controls for the landing and subsequent taxi. The other flight instructor was presumably providing the review. No information was given about the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, occupants beyond the two instructors, injuries, time of day, weather characterization beyond strong crosswinds, or involvement of air traffic control.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Auburn, WA?

After landing in strong crosswinds, a flight instructor receiving a flight review turned off the runway. While taxiing, excessive winds caused the aircraft to nose over, damaging the right wing, vertical fin, rudder, and tailcone.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 1997 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5115K, at Auburn, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilots' inadequate evaluation of the strong winds, when they attempted to turn to taxi with a very strong tailwind. Factors relating to the accident included the high and unfavorable winds.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07635. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.