This February 2009 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Broomfield, Colo. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was taxiing into position for takeoff when a wind gust, reported by the tower to be 52 knots, lifted the right wing and rotated the plane to the left. The pilot attempted to maintain control but was unsuccessful and the plane flipped onto its back. Weather forecast 40 minutes before the accident indicated winds 250° at 15 knots. At seven minutes after the accident the updated weather observation showed winds from 260° at 38 knots with gusts to 52 knots.
Probable cause: The pilot and airplane’s inability to compensate for the unforecasted gusting wind conditions.
For more information: NTSB.gov