NTSB Factual Report

On October 15, 2001, at 1620 central daylight time, a Cessna 206 single-engine airplane, N5206U, was substantially damaged after impacting an embankment during taxi at the Eagles Nest Airport, Midlothian, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the owner and operator of the aircraft, received minor injuries, and the one passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an Instrument Flight Rules flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from Paris, Texas, at 1600, and was destined for Midlothian.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that as he was exiting runway 17 after landing rollout, he experienced a sudden gust of wind. Subsequently, the right wing "lifted" and the left wing impacted an embankment, resulting in the nose landing gear being sheared off, the propeller being bent, and approximately 3 feet of the outboard section of the left wing being damaged.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that prior to departing Paris, Texas, he obtained the automated weather from the Redbird Airport which is located approximately 16 miles north of the destination/accident airport. Conditions were reported as sky clear, and wind from 270 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot further stated that at the time of the accident the wind was from 270 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 15 knots. He added that a cold front was approaching and the wind was "not steady."

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while taxiing from a landing. A contributing factor was the gusty wind conditions.