# NTSB FTW88LA089: Cessna 172K, N7116G, Houston, TX, April 11, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 11, 1988, 12:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Houston, TX
- Location: 29.9844° N, 95.3414° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at GEORGE BUSH INTCNTL/HOUSTON (IAH), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9844&lon=-95.3414&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22632
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA089
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22632/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA089

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, taxi - to takeoff
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - acft/equip,inadequate aircraft manuals, manufacturer (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
- Nose over, taxi - to takeoff

## Analysis

THE HIGH-WING, TRICYCLE GEAR AIRPLANE WAS TAXIING OUT IN WINDS GUSTING TO 29 KNOTS FROM ABOUT 320 DEGREES. WHILE THE AIRPLANE WAS HEADING 250 DEGREES, IT WAS OVERTURNED TO THE INVERTED POSITION. OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT LIST ANY RESTRICTIONS FOR MAXIMUM CROSSWINDS FOR TAXI OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7116G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7116G-2013-05-03), registration cancelled 2013-05-03, S/N 17258816, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17258816
- Airframe hours: 1458
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Westheimers Flyers, Inc.
- Registered owner: Westheimers Flyers, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 22, 1988
- Destination: 5TA4, FULSHEAR, TX
- Airport: IAH, International

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 430 total, 233 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 16 knots, gusting 29
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 25 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAH

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880411010159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880411010159A), Apr 11, 1988: Cessna 172K, Houston, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft blown over by a strong gusty wind while taxiing for takeoff.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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