LAX96LA070

Prior to taxi, the tower reported that the wind velocity was 24 knots with gusts to 27 knots. The pilot reported that while taxiing, he could not maintain the aircraft on the taxiway centerline due to strong winds. He decided to return to the ramp. When past 90 degrees of the turnaround, the aircraft tipped over onto its left wing and nose. Investigation revealed that the wind gauge in the tower had malfunctioned and was indicating 20 knots less wind than actually existed.

On December 12, 1995, at 0530 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 208B, N987FE, owned by Federal Express, tipped over during a taxi back to the ramp area. The aircraft received substantial damage to the left wing and the pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time with gusty winds. The aircraft was operated by West Air Industries of Fresno, California, as a 14 CFR Part 135 cargo flight to Oakland, California.

The pilot reported that before his planned departure from Sacramento, he checked the weather conditions from his dispatch and ATIS for the flight to Oakland. While getting his clearance, he heard the winds were 24 knots gusting to 27 knots, duplicating the winds from the night before. The pilot departed the general aviation ramp and proceeded to taxi to the runway. He had problems during the taxi and wasn't able to maintain centerline discipline. He decided to return to the ramp and as the aircraft turned to the right past the 90-degree point, the aircraft turned over onto the left wing, also striking the propeller. He shut down the engine, secured the aircraft, and called for the emergency equipment. Subsequent information from the FAA revealed that the wind-measuring gauge in the tower had malfunctioned and indicated 20 knots lower than the actual reported wind.