Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation resulting in an inadvertent encounter with gusty wind conditions while taxiing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot said he intended to perform some night practice takeoffs and landing at the airport. He said that the weather conditions throughout the day had been normal and the winds at the airport when he arrived were calm. During the downwind and base legs of the first traffic pattern the pilot said that he observed 'dust being kicked up to the north and east of the airport.' he reported that the first sign of turbulence began on final, and during the landing roll out he became aware of gusty surface winds and decided to terminate the flight. The pilot said that after landing and while taxiing to his parking spot, a sudden and very strong gust of wind blew the aircraft over onto its back. Ground witnesses at the airport reported observing isolated thunderstorm activity in the general area and that at the time of the accident a strong gust of wind swept over the airport.
Source record
Factual narrative
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