No fatalities

Aircraft Noses Over During Taxi After Wing Lift (N6422E)

Redfield, SD, US

On May 3, 2002, a Cessna 172 (registration N6422E) operated by John O. Aiton was involved in an aviation accident near Redfield, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control while taxing to takeoff in high and gusty wind conditions. 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 taxi, an aircraft's left wing lifted, causing a propeller strike and nose-over before coming to rest upside down in grass. No injuries reported.

Incident Description

A pilot reported that while taxing for departure, the aircraft moved forward approximately 10 to 15 feet, clearing a hangar on the left side. At that point, the left wing began to lift, raising the left wheel off the ground and causing the aircraft to veer to the right. As the left wing continued to rise, a propeller strike occurred, and the aircraft nosed over. The aircraft came to a stop inverted in the grass.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft had just started its taxi from a parking position. After advancing a short distance, it passed a hangar on the left. Immediately thereafter, the left wing rose, lifting the left main wheel from the ground and pushing the aircraft to the right. The increasing wing lift resulted in the propeller contacting the ground, followed by the nose of the aircraft tipping over. The aircraft ended up resting upside down on the grass surface.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 2002 Cessna 172 accident near Redfield, SD?

During taxi, an aircraft's left wing lifted, causing a propeller strike and nose-over before coming to rest upside down in grass. No injuries reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 May 2002 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 2002 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6422E, operated by John O. Aiton, at Redfield, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control while taxing to takeoff in high and gusty wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020516X00684. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.