Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during takeoff upon encountering a strong wind gust.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff from runway 07, as the pilot was becoming airborne, he encountered a strong southeasterly gust of wind. The pilot stated that despite his efforts at maintaining control, the gust was so strong that the right wing lifted up, and the airplane rolled over. At the time, the engine was already developing full power and the pilot's application of full flight control corrective actions was inadequate to counter the gust of wind during this critical phase of flight. The airplane, which became uncontrollable, came to rest upside down with broken wings and a crushed vertical stabilizer. The airport manager witnessed the mishap and corroborated the pilot's statements regarding the wind. The manager estimated the wind's speed was between 25 and 35 mph.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA203 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 11, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Taft, California
- Nearest airport
- Taft-Kern County (L17)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N2887P
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.