Two Survive Jet Blast Flip at California Airport

A Cessna 172 flipped upside down after being struck by jet blast from a departing United Airlines Boeing 737 at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. The incident occurred on November 7 as the small aircraft taxiing behind the commercial flight experienced sudden strong airflow that caused it to roll over completely.

The two occupants aboard were Jason Ryu, an instructor pilot, and Kunal Gawli, a student. Both reported being scared but escaped injury due to their seatbelts remaining fastened throughout the event. The Cessna was operated by the Orange County Flight Center for flight instruction purposes near Dove Street where construction may have affected spacing.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft was "blown over" while moving behind United Airlines Flight 2611 which increased engine power to enter the runway. Pilot Ryu stated he lost all control of movement as the plane pitched forward and overturned entirely before coming to rest on its roof.