NTSB Factual Report

The 1,100-hour commercial pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), that he was taxiing to Runway 09, and as he started his left turn onto the runway "a gust of wind over 24-knots caused the aircraft to veer to the right and come to rest in an adjacent ditch." Additionally, he reported that at the time of the accident the winds were "19-24 knots with higher gusts coming from 160-165 degrees." Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the right wing on the airplane sustained structural damage. A review of CAP regulation 60-1 (CAP Flight Management) paragraph 2-16 states: "The maximum crosswind limit for operating CAP aircraft is that which is stated in the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) as the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity." Additionally, a review of the Cessna 182Q POH revealed that the maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity is 20-knots for takeoffs, and 15-knots for landing.

At 1353, the automated weather observing system at SGR, located approximately 11 nautical miles northwest, reported winds from 140 degrees at 19 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, a broken ceiling at 9,500 feet, temperature 70 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and a altimeter setting of 30.16 inches of Mercury. At 1353, the automated weather observing system at HOU, located approximately 13 nautical miles northeast, reported winds from 120 degrees at 17 knots gusting to 21 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, few clouds at 3,400 feet, scattered clouds at 9,000 feet, an overcast ceiling at 25,000 feet, temperature 66 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 52 degrees Fahrenheit, and a altimeter setting of 30.17 inches of Mercury

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing. A contributing factor was the gusty winds.