CEN24LA084

Factual narrative

The student pilot was conducting a solo flight when he was unable to keep the airplane aligned with the runway centerline due to a right crosswind. Witnesses reported that the airplane veered left of the runway and struck trees before it came to rest in a grass area. After the accident, the student pilot stated that he had difficulty with the right crosswind and believed the airplane had an aileron issue. The student pilot stated that the airplane’s left wing collided with the trees with the engine at full power. The airplane’s left wing and forward fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies or failures that would have prevented its normal operation. Flight control continuity for the ailerons, elevator, and rudder was confirmed. It is likely the student pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the crosswind landing, which resulted in the airplane drifting off the left side of the runway and into trees. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Effect on operation
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Crosswind-Ability to respond/compensate
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student/instructed pilot