captain2k_ca
02-04-2005, 02:57 AM
Wind throws plane, pilot for a loop
Cessna 182 ends up on its back while taxiing on runway at County Airport
Lethbridge Herald
A local pilot executed an unwanted runway manoeuvre early Wednesday when powerful wind gusts flipped his Cessna 182 on its back like a turtle.
"He was taxiing (to take off) when the wind caught him and he did a ground loop," said Lethbridge County Airport manager Scott Butchart.
"The pilot was not injured but the damages to the aircraft are significant."
A ground loop occurs when, for various reasons, the front end of an aircraft decides to switch places with the back end or, as in this case, completely flip over.
A Cessna 182 weighs 770 kilograms when empty and has a maximum take-off and landing weight of about 1,200 kg.
Wind gusts reported by Environment Canada overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday peaked at 100 km/h.
"We're dealing with some pretty significant surface winds today but it hasn't disrupted the schedule," Butchart said.
"The heavier commercial aircraft aren't really affected by it."
A wind warning remained in effect throughout the day for Lethbridge, Taber and Milk River. Environment Canada said property damage has been reported in the affected areas.
A gentle reminder to any flyers here to watch those crosswind control inputs, and don't get out of the hangar if its just too windy!!!
Cessna 182 ends up on its back while taxiing on runway at County Airport
Lethbridge Herald
A local pilot executed an unwanted runway manoeuvre early Wednesday when powerful wind gusts flipped his Cessna 182 on its back like a turtle.
"He was taxiing (to take off) when the wind caught him and he did a ground loop," said Lethbridge County Airport manager Scott Butchart.
"The pilot was not injured but the damages to the aircraft are significant."
A ground loop occurs when, for various reasons, the front end of an aircraft decides to switch places with the back end or, as in this case, completely flip over.
A Cessna 182 weighs 770 kilograms when empty and has a maximum take-off and landing weight of about 1,200 kg.
Wind gusts reported by Environment Canada overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday peaked at 100 km/h.
"We're dealing with some pretty significant surface winds today but it hasn't disrupted the schedule," Butchart said.
"The heavier commercial aircraft aren't really affected by it."
A wind warning remained in effect throughout the day for Lethbridge, Taber and Milk River. Environment Canada said property damage has been reported in the affected areas.
A gentle reminder to any flyers here to watch those crosswind control inputs, and don't get out of the hangar if its just too windy!!!