Primary finding
Probable cause
the loss of directional control by the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind gusts, and improper use of the engine and flight controls. The wind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Following an uneventful landing, and while taxiing in an easterly direction toward his tie down, the pilot encountered a strong wind gust. He reported that he mistakenly increased the engine power to fight back against the wind, and thereafter the airplane's speed dramatically increased. The pilot lost control of his airplane and it collided into a dirt embankment at the base of the airport control tower. The local wind was from 360 degrees at 22 knots, with gusts to 30 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 28, 1996, at 1825 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 182G, N2182R, owned and operated by the pilot, encountered a northerly wind gust while taxing in an easterly direction at the Riverside Municipal Airport, Riverside, California. The pilot lost control of the airplane, it collided with an embankment and was substantially damaged. The private pilot and the passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight which originated from Las Vegas, Nevada, at 1645. The pilot indicated that the accident occurred following an uneventful landing. He reported that as he was taxiing to his tie down location the wind speed increased and it pushed his airplane off the taxiway. He further reported that he "mistakenly" increased the engine power "to fight back against the wind," whereupon the airplane's speed dramatically increased and he lost directional control. The airplane collided into a dirt embankment at the base of the control tower. Immediately following the accident, the Riverside controller reported that winds at the airport were from 360 degrees at 22 knots, with gusts to 30 knots. -