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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 10, 1982 · Cessna 172 · N5266J

Sturgis, SD

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 1982
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sturgis, SD
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N5266J
Operator
Ronald D Opstedahl
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN82DA083

THE PILOT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD TO GO TO AN AUCTION. WHEN HE TAXIED BACK DOWNWIND TO START HIS TAKEOFF, THE WIND WAS GUSTING TO 28 KNOTS. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THAT HE WAS MOVING ABOUT 15 MPH AS HE TURNED TO HEAD BACK INTO THE WIND. AS HE STARTED A RIGHT TURN, THE WIND CAUGHT THE RIGHT WING AND THE PLANE FLIPPED OVER ON ITS BACK. AFTERWARDS, THE PILOT BELIEVED HE WAS TAXIING TOO FAST.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD TO GO TO AN AUCTION. WHEN HE TAXIED BACK DOWNWIND TO START HIS TAKEOFF, THE WIND WAS GUSTING TO 28 KNOTS. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THAT HE WAS MOVING ABOUT 15 MPH AS HE TURNED TO HEAD BACK INTO THE WIND. AS HE STARTED A RIGHT TURN, THE WIND CAUGHT THE RIGHT WING AND THE PLANE FLIPPED OVER ON ITS BACK. AFTERWARDS, THE PILOT BELIEVED HE WAS TAXIING TOO FAST.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN5266J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRonald D Opstedahl
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-HD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 24 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point13 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg

Appendix: Source Data