Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

Learn from Colorado's accident history to fly safer in the Rockies

2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
← Back to all accidents

Broomfield, Colorado

February 26, 2009 · NTSB CEN09CA181 · CESSNA 172N (N737KR)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued β€” always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

The pilot was taxiing into position for takeoff when a wind gust, reported by the tower, of 52 knots lifted the right wing of the airplane. The right wing continued to rotate the aircraft and move it to the left on the ramp. The pilot attempted to maintain control, but was unsuccessful and the aircraft rolled inverted. The pilot was able to egress unassisted and was not injured. Weather forecast at the 40 minutes prior to the accident indicated forecast winds 250 degrees at 15 knots. At 7 minutes after the accident the updated weather observation showed winds from 260 degrees at 38 knots with gusts to 52 knots. The pilot and airplane's inability to compensate for the unforecasted gusting wind conditions.

Case Study & Lessons Learned

Generating educational case study...

NTSB Findings

  • Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Ability to respond/compensate - C

Details

NTSB ReportCEN09CA181
AircraftCESSNA 172N
RegistrationN737KR
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location39.9086, -105.1172
Corporate Sponsor
Cessna Pilots Association
Cessna Pilots Association
All Classifieds Post an Ad