Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control and inadequate compensation for the high gusty wind conditions during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after aborting the takeoff due to an approaching thunderstorm and high wind, while taxiing back to the parking area, a strong wind lifted the airplane. The airplane subsequently nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA412 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 16, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bozeman, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Bozeman Yellowstone Internatio (KBZN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 11
- N-number
- N4988M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- 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.