Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during taxi in strong wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Before the flight, the pilot checked the automated weather report for his destination airport and determined that there was a 6,000 foot ceiling with 6 knots of wind. The pilot departed on the flight. On arriving at his destination airport and while maneuvering to land, the pilot saw a weather front approaching rapidly from the northwest. The pilot perceived that he had to land the airplane before the weather front reached the airport. The pilot reported that the wind buffeted the airplane throughout the approach and landing. The pilot then taxied the airplane from the runway; however, during a turn, the airplane’s tail lifted up. The left wing and nosecone impacted the taxiway, and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position. The airplane’s wings and vertical fin were substantially damaged. Weather reporting facilities in the vicinity of the airport reported wind speeds in excess of 60 knots associated with the frontal passage.
Source record
Factual narrative
Prior to the flight, the pilot checked the automated weather report for his destination airport and determined the weather to be a 6,000 foot ceiling with 6 knots of wind. The pilot departed on the flight. On arriving at his destination airport and while maneuvering to land, the pilot saw a weather front approaching rapidly from the northwest. The pilot perceived that he had to land the airplane before the weather front would overtake the airplane. The pilot reported that the wind buffeted the airplane throughout the approach and landing. The pilot then taxied the airplane from the runway, however, during a turn, the airplane’s tail lifted up. The left wing and nose cone impacted the taxiway and the airplane nosed over coming to rest in the inverted position. The airplane’s wings and vertical fin were substantially damaged and a passenger was seriously injured. Weather reporting facilities in the vicinity of the airport reported wind speeds in excess of 60 knots associated with the frontal passage.