Summary
On January 23, 2010, a Cessna 172H (N3718F) was involved in an incident near Nightmute, AK. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in a strong gusting wind, and his decision to taxi for takeoff in such conditions.
According to the pilot, while taxiing for departure to runway 3, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left. The wind gust lifted the left wing, the airplane turned 180 degrees, and traveled down a 20 to 40 foot embankment. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane showed damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer, and empennage. The pilot estimated the wind speed at 45 knots.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC10CA015. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3718F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane in a strong gusting wind, and his decision to taxi for takeoff in such conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
According to the pilot, while taxiing for departure to runway 3, the airplane encountered a wind gust from the left. The wind gust lifted the left wing, the airplane turned 180 degrees, and traveled down a 20 to 40 foot embankment. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane showed damage to the left wing, vertical stabilizer, and empennage. The pilot estimated the wind speed at 45 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC10CA015