Cessna 172 N7080T accident near Denton, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane while in the run-up area in high wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, while the airplane was parked in the run-up area and while she was performing her final check before departure, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and tipped the airplane onto its side, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. She stated that the airplane was facing into the wind at the time of the accident. She also reported that she was using the proper flight control inputs for the wind conditions while parked in the run-up area. The reported wind at the time of the accident was 350° at 18 knots, gusting to 25 knots.

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA139 for the full record.