Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control after landing with a crosswind.
NTSB analysis
After exiting the runway, the airplane encountered a gust of wind and flipped over. The pilot stated that he landed the airplane safely in a crosswind. As the airplane exited the runway, the wind shifted and he attempted to correct with full aileron and rudder input; however, his inputs were not successful and the airplane came to rest inverted. Airport personnel reported that both wings, the tail, and vertical and horizontal stabilizers were damaged. They also indicated that the pilot reported that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane. The wind at the airport about the time of the accident was reported to be from the northwest at 21 knots gusting to 38 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11CA204 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 21, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palm Springs, California
- Nearest airport
- Palm Springs Internat'L Airpor (PSP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172P
- N-number
- N62145
- 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.