Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to taxi in wind conditions that exceeded the airplane’s capability.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was taxiing for takeoff in wind that greatly exceeded the airplane manufacturer's maximum demonstrated crosswind component and the airplane operator's wind limits. During the taxi, which was along a taxiway that was subject to an almost direct crosswind, the wind lifted the airplane’s tail upward, and the airplane nosed over.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 27, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Denver, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Front Range Airport (FTG)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna R172E
- N-number
- N3196F
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.