FTW98LA003

While holding in position for takeoff, the aircraft was struck by a wind gust which caused it to nose over. Nearly all upper surfaces on the aircraft sustained buckling and wrinkling damage as a result. Recorded wind at the time was from 240 degrees magnetic heading at 39 knots with gusts to 43 knots and a rain cell was passing approximately 4 miles south of the airport. There are no published aircraft operating restrictions regarding crosswind operations for this year and model aircraft. The manufacturer does provide suggested techniques for taxi and takeoff in high wind and cross wind conditions. The aircraft heading was 290 degrees at the time of the occurrence.

On October 2, 1997, at 1840 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172A, N7692T, sustained substantial damage when it was flipped over by a wind gust while waiting for takeoff at Grand Junction Municipal Airport, Grand Junction, Colorado. The private pilot and sole occupant was not injured. The flight was a personal flight operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

At the time of the accident, recorded wind at the airport was from 240 degrees magnetic heading at 39 knots with gusts to 43 knots. A rain cell was passing approximately 4 miles south of the airport. There were no SIGMETS or AIRMETS in effect for the local area at the time of the accident.

The aircraft operating handbook and the Cessna Pilot Safety and Warning Supplement, 1985 edition, do not contain any restrictions regarding wind or crosswind operations. They do provide "suggested" techniques for taxi and takeoff in crosswind conditions. According to information obtained during the pilot interview, she was using the suggested operating techniques.

The pilot said she was returning to Montrose, Colorado, after spending the day in Grand Junction, and had been cleared into position for takeoff on runway 29. She stated the aircraft appeared stable as she taxied into position and was then struck by a gust which she described as a wind shear with about 50 knots of wind. According to her statement and interview, the aircraft tail was pitched into the air and the plane nosed over coming to rest on its back. Nearly all upper surfaces on the aircraft sustained buckling and wrinkling damage as a result.

According to the tower and the pilot, her aircraft was one of four waiting for departure. The other three were heavier low wing aircraft and were not affected by the wind.