Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during an encounter with a wind gust during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while taxiing to the runway for takeoff, the airplane encountered a gust of wind which lifted the airplane. The airplane subsequently nosed over on the taxiway. Both wings and the vertical stabilizer were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport's automated surface observation system reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 250° at 27 knots, gusting to 32 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA070 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 31, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mojave, California
- Nearest airport
- Mojave Air And Space Port (MHV)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N89084
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.