CEN11CA131

Factual narrative

The student pilot was completing a solo cross-country flight. During the approach to runway 18, the student pilot applied right aileron and left rudder to compensate for the wind. While over the grass runway threshold, the airplane encountered "some turbulence" and the student pilot added engine power. The turbulence subsided and the "touchdown was soft and flat." As the nose wheel touched down, the airplane swerved to the left and the student pilot "overcorrected to the right." The airplane veered to the right where the nose wheel and left wing impacted a snow bank. Examination of the airplane revealed both wings were buckled. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane. The student pilot was completing a solo cross-country flight. During landing approach at the destination airport, the student pilot applied right aileron and left rudder to compensate for the wind. While over the grass runway threshold the airplane encountered turbulence and the student pilot added engine power. The turbulence subsided and the touchdown was soft and flat. As the nosewheel touched down, the airplane swerved to the left and the student pilot overcorrected to the right. The airplane veered to the right where the nosewheel and left wing impacted a snow bank. Examination of the airplane revealed that both wings were buckled. No mechanical anomalies were noted with the airplane. The student pilot reported the wind was from 270 degrees at 8 knots. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student pilot - C