Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during runup. The unfavorable wind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while performing an engine runup with the nose of the aircraft into the prevailing winds, the tail of the aircraft was lifted by the wind. The aircraft pivoted on the nose gear with the main wheels off the ground. The aircraft was in a vertical position for a few seconds with the tail straight up, then the wind moved the aircraft 25 feet off to the left of the taxiway. The left wing tip contacted the ground and the aircraft pivoted upon the wing coming to rest on its back. Winds at the time were reported to be 20 knots gusting to 29 knots from 180 degrees magnetic.
Source record
Factual narrative
On January 10, 1995, approximately 1300 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 172G, N3708L, registered to and being operated by a certificated airline transport pilot, was substantially damaged when the aircraft flipped over during runup on a taxiway at the north end of the Salt Lake City Municipal Airport Number 2, Salt Lake City, Utah. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed for the intended flight to Salt Lake International (SLC), ten miles north. The flight, which was personal in nature, was to have been operated under 14CFR91. The pilot reported that he was performing an engine runup with the nose of the aircraft towards the south. The engine was about 1700 rpm as the pilot was switching to one of the magnetos when the tail of the aircraft was lifted by the wind. The aircraft pivoted on the nose wheel with the main wheels off the ground. At that time, the pilot pulled the throttle back to idle, but the propeller had already struck the ground. The pilot stated that the aircraft was in a vertical position for a few seconds with the tail straight up. Then the wind moved the aircraft 25 feet to the left of the taxiway, during which the left wingtip contacted the ground and the aircraft pivoted on the wing, coming to rest on its back. The pilot stated that ATIS information Echo reported the winds as 17 knots at 165 degrees. He said the wind sock at the airport was a 20 knot sock and it "was not fully erected reporting about 17 knots," and that there were gusts to about 30 knots. The 1250 and 1350 aviation surface observations taken at SLC reported virga in the vicinity of the station. The 1350 observation reported winds of 20 knots gusting to 29 knots from 180 degrees magnetic. -