2 Mar 2017: CESSNA 172 B

2 Mar 2017: CESSNA 172 B — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Greenville, ME, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing in gusting crosswind conditions.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that after a normal landing in gusting headwind conditions, he turned onto an intersecting runway which resulted in gusting crosswind conditions. He added that he positioned the flight controls to compensate for the crosswind, but after taxiing about 150 ft. on the runway the left wing lifted, the airplane veered to right, and nosed over on snow-covered terrain.

The vertical stabilizer sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, recorded wind 300° at 13 knots, gusting 28 knots. The pilot reported that he was taxiing on runway 3.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • Ability to respond/compensate
  • Ability to respond/compensate
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 300/13kt

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