No fatalities

Wind-Related Loss of Control During Taxi Results in Runway Excursion (N5953A)

Gooding, ID, US

On March 12, 2005, a Cessna 172 (registration N5953A) operated by Bart D. Morrow was involved in an aviation accident near Gooding, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control during taxi. A contributing factor was the wind gusts. 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

A pilot experienced strong winds while turning onto a runway, leading to a loss of control, wing strike, and the airplane coming to rest inverted.

Preflight and Taxi

The pilot used a hand-held wind meter near midfield to assess wind conditions, recording a direction of 240 to 260 degrees magnetic at 20 to 27 knots. After preflighting the airplane, he taxied out and performed an engine run-up. Following the run-up, he taxied south on the perpendicular taxiway leading to the departure end of runway 25.

Encounter with Strong Winds

As the airplane neared the runway centerline and the pilot began a right turn to align with the runway, he reported experiencing strong wind from 250 degrees. In response, he applied full right rudder and brake, then advanced the throttle to full power in an attempt to turn the airplane into the wind. The maneuver was unsuccessful; the left wing struck the runway, followed by the propeller. The pilot subsequently reduced power.

Runway Excursion and Final Position

The wind pushed the airplane downwind (east) until the left wingtip dug into soft dirt beyond the runway end. The wind then caused the airplane to blow over, and it came to rest inverted approximately 10 feet east of the runway threshold.

Damage

Both wings, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder sustained structural damage.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 2005 Cessna 172 accident near Gooding, ID?

A pilot experienced strong winds while turning onto a runway, leading to a loss of control, wing strike, and the airplane coming to rest inverted.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Mar 2005 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 2005 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5953A, operated by Bart D. Morrow, at Gooding, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control during taxi. A contributing factor was the wind gusts.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050406X00420. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.