Orange County, Calif. – A small Cessna 172 training plane flipped upside down on a runway at John Wayne Airport Saturday afternoon, an incident officials say was caused by the powerful jet blast of a departing commercial airliner.
What happened
Firefighters were dispatched to the airport’s ACI Jet ramp around 2:40 p.m. after a report that a plane had been blown over. The aircraft was parked in its stall when the jet blast struck, causing it to tip onto its roof. No one was injured, but the incident has sparked an immediate safety review.
According to the Orange County Flight Center, which owns the aircraft, a United Airlines or Southwest Airlines jet was taking off as the Cessna was taxiing toward the taxiway. The jet’s exhaust created a sudden gust of wind that lifted the light‑weight Cessna, sending it flipping over.
People on board
The plane’s pilot and a student flight instructor were inside at the time. Both escaped without injury, though the aircraft sustained significant damage. “One of our flight instructors and a student were in the aircraft when it flipped,” said OCFC Director Niki‑A.
Airport construction and safety concerns
The incident occurred amid a major reconstruction and realignment project at John Wayne Airport. OCFC officials warned that ongoing construction could be adversely affecting general‑aviation aircraft, potentially jeopardizing flight safety. They urged airport management to review wind‑shear and jet‑blast mitigation measures while the project continues.
Official response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a preliminary statement confirming the report and announced a formal investigation. “A Cessna 172 was blown over while taxiing behind United Airlines Flight 2611 at John Wayne Airport,” the FAA said. “The FAA will investigate.” The agency emphasized that the information is preliminary and may change as the inquiry proceeds.
Community impact
John Wayne Airport serves as a vital hub for both commercial travelers and the local general‑aviation community. Incidents like this raise concerns for flight schools, private pilots, and businesses that rely on the airport’s facilities. Local aviation groups have called for clearer guidelines on jet‑blast zones and better communication between commercial and general‑aviation operators.
Next steps
Airport officials have pledged to cooperate fully with the FAA investigation and to review safety protocols related to jet‑blast exposure. The reconstruction project’s timeline and any adjustments to runway operations will be closely monitored to ensure the safety of all aircraft using the facility.
Residents and pilots are encouraged to stay informed through official airport notices and FAA updates as the investigation unfolds.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
