NTSB Factual Report

On May 3, 2002, at 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N6422E, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it nosed over while taxiing for departure at the Redfield Municipal Airport (1D8), Redfield, South Dakota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries.

According to the pilot's written statement, the aircraft taxied forward about 10 - 15 feet and cleared a hangar to the left side of the airplane. The pilot reported that the left wing began to lift, raising the left wheel off the ground and the aircraft went to the right. The pilot stated that as the left wing continued to rise, the propeller impacted the ground and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot reported that the aircraft came to a rest upside down on the grass. At the time of the accident, the pilot reported the wind was 240 to 260 degrees at 18 knots gusting to 25 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control while taxing to takeoff in high and gusty wind conditions.