Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's encounter with a sudden crosswind gust beyond the capabilities of the aircraft.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was taxiing to the aircraft's tiedown spot following landing when a sudden left crosswind gust he estimated at 40 knots blew the aircraft over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 23, 1996, at 1530 hours Pacific daylight time, a homebuilt experimental Mini Ace CA61-F, N8221, was blown over during taxi at a private ranch airstrip near Byron, California. The aircraft was owned and operated by the student pilot for a local area solo instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated at the private airstrip about 1450 on the day of the occurrence. The pilot reported that he was taxiing to the aircraft's tiedown spot following landing when a sudden left crosswind gust he estimated at 40 knots blew the aircraft over. -