Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane while taxing in strong winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The private pilot had just landed his single-engine airplane on Runway 30 and was taxing back on the runway in the opposite direction. He then made a 90 degree turn onto the taxiway when a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. The airplane flipped over on to its back and sustained structural damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine. The wind was reported from 320 degrees at 32 knots, gusting to 43 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The private pilot had just landed his single-engine airplane on Runway 30 and was taxing back on the runway in the opposite direction. He then made a 90 degree turn onto the taxiway when a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right and it flipped over on to its back. The airplane sustained structural damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane or engine. The wind was reported from 320 degrees at 32 knots, gusting to 43 knots.