On January 18, 2006, a Cessna 172M (registration N1322U) was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to align the airplane's nose into the direction of the wind while performing the pre-takeoff checklist. A contributing factor was the gusty wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that while conducting an engine run-up with flaps extended, a gust of wind pushed the airplane, causing it to flip over.
Event Details
A pilot reported an incident during taxi and run-up operations at an airport. The pilot had taxied the airplane to the run-up area designated for runway 29R. According to the automated terminal information service (ATIS) report, the wind was from 300 degrees at 25 knots, gusting to 34 knots.
Pilot Report
After positioning the airplane with the nose at 210 degrees for the engine run-up, the pilot cycled the flaps in accordance with the airplane's checklist. With the flaps extended, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to a heading of 120 degrees. Subsequently, the airplane flipped over.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Jan 2006 Cessna 172M accident near Denver, CO?
A pilot reported that while conducting an engine run-up with flaps extended, a gust of wind pushed the airplane, causing it to flip over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jan 2006 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1322U, at Denver, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to align the airplane's nose into the direction of the wind while performing the pre-takeoff checklist. A contributing factor was the gusty wind conditions.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…