Casualties unknown

Wind Gust Inverts Aircraft During Taxi Turn (N82325)

Imperial, CA, US

On December 4, 1998, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N82325) was involved in an aviation accident near Imperial, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions while taxiing from landing. 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 reported that while turning onto the taxiway after landing, a wind gust lifted the upwind wing, causing the aircraft to nose over and come to rest inverted.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's report, the aircraft had landed on runway 26 without incident. As the pilot initiated a turn onto the connecting taxiway, a sudden wind gust impacted the upwind wing, generating sufficient lift to upset the aircraft. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position on the taxiway.

Weather Conditions

The airport's weather observation facility recorded conditions at the time of the accident: wind direction was from 250 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts peaking at 25 knots. No other meteorological details were provided.

Mechanical Status

The pilot affirmed that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the aircraft prior to the event. The incident is attributed solely to the dynamic wind conditions encountered during the ground maneuver.

Post-Incident State

The aircraft remained inverted after the upset. The report does not specify any damage to the aircraft or injuries to occupants. No additional actions or findings were documented beyond the pilot's account.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11593. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.