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Aircraft Tips Over During Pre-Takeoff Runup in Gusty Wind (N5254R)

Wheeling, IL, US

On May 5, 1997, a Cessna 172 (registration N5254R) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot-in-command's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition. 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

During a pre-takeoff runup, the aircraft pivoted left on its nose gear, the right wing lifted, and the propeller struck the ground before the airplane flipped onto its back.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and his pilot student were conducting a pre-takeoff runup while the aircraft faced runway 30. The wind was reported from 280 degrees at 21 knots with gusts to 35 knots.

Sequence of Events

The instructor stated that during the runup, the airplane pivoted left on the nose gear tire. Subsequently, the right wing lifted into the air. As the wing rose, the propeller made contact with the ground. Shortly thereafter, according to the instructor, the airplane "went up on its spinner and over on its back."

Pilot and Instructor Statements

In interviews, both the pilot and the flight instructor indicated that they could not recall the positions of the flight controls during the runup.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1997 Cessna 172 accident near Wheeling, IL?

During a pre-takeoff runup, the aircraft pivoted left on its nose gear, the right wing lifted, and the propeller struck the ground before the airplane flipped onto its back.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 1997 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1997 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5254R, at Wheeling, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot-in-command's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. A factor associated with the accident was the gusty crosswind condition.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07865. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.