What happened
On November 1, 2024, a Cessna 172, registration LV-HPW, was conducting a general aviation training flight from Santa Rosa to Juan Domingo Perón International Airport in Neuquén. Following a successful landing at approximately 19:00 UTC, the pilot attempted a 180-degree turn on the runway to taxi toward the parking apron.
During this maneuver, a sudden wind gust struck the aircraft, lifting the right wing. This movement caused the left wing and the propeller to strike the runway surface. Although the pilot immediately cut the fuel mixture to stop the engine, the propeller blades were still rotating at the moment of impact, resulting in damage to the propeller tips. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained significant damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the pilot's maneuvers. At the time of the incident, the National Meteorological Service reported winds of 20 knots with gusts reaching 39 knots. Previous METAR reports from the preceding four hours had also indicated sustained winds above 15 knots and gusts between 25 and 39 knots. Additionally, a regional forecast had warned of a cold front bringing intense winds and gusts to the Neuquén area.
Investigators noted that while air traffic services had provided the pilot with weather information regarding predicted conditions for arrival, the extreme intensity of the gusts during the taxiing phase led to the loss of control. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's design, noting that high-wing aircraft like the Cessna 172 are particularly susceptible to lateral wind effects during ground operations.
Findings
- A crosswind gust during a taxiing turn lifted the right wing, causing the aircraft to shift laterally.
- The meteorological information available at the airport was not adequately reflected in the operational planning and execution of the flight.
- The pilot did not apply the necessary control techniques, such as adjusting ailerons into the wind and using the rudder to counteract deviations, to manage the high-velocity gusts during the 180-degree turn.