Event GAA16CA529

Factual narrative

The student pilot reported that during his first supervised solo landing that was conducted in light and variable crosswind conditions, he initiated a go around because, the wind had pushed him off course, and he was no longer in a good position to land. He further reported that during his second approach "everything looked good", but that immediately after the wheels touched down, the airplane veered to the left. He tried to compensate but "very quickly lost control". Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the left, the nose gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing rear spar. The student pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of local weather at the time of the accident showed the wind 070 degrees true at 6 nautical miles per hour, and not gusting. The student pilot landed runway 28. The student pilot reported that during his first supervised solo landing that was conducted in light and variable crosswind conditions, he initiated a go around because, the wind had pushed him off course, and he was no longer in a good position to land. He further reported that during his second approach "everything looked good", but that immediately after the wheels touched down, the airplane veered to the left. He tried to compensate but "very quickly lost control". Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway to the left, the nose gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the right wing rear spar. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. A review of local weather at the time of the accident showed the wind 070 degrees true at 6 nautical miles per hour, and not gusting. The student pilot landed on runway 28. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or 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/instructed pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Response/compensation - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Tailwind-Effect on operation