Cessna 172 N7373A accident near Hayden, Idaho

Probable cause

The student pilot’s inability to maintain control of the airplane during a sudden wind gust resulting in the airplane coming to rest inverted.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot had just completed a series of takeoffs and landings with his flight instructor in preparation for a solo flight. After landing, the instructor exited the airplane and the student then taxied to the assigned runway threshold and held short of the runway, per the tower controller’s instructions. While stationary on the taxiway, a strong wind gust lifted the airplane’s tail and right wing. The student maintained pressure on the brake pedals and held the control yoke fully aft. However, the airplane nosed over, and came to rest inverted on the taxiway. The student noted that the gust was significantly stronger than the prevailing winds.

As a result of the impact, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The reported wind around the time of the accident was 13 kts out of the southwest, gusting to 17 kts. The airplane was oriented and subjected to a quartering tailwind.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA297 for the full record.