GAA17CA379

Factual narrative

The student pilot reported that, during his second low approach, the airplane was stable at 75 knots and full flaps, about 20 ft. above the ground. He added, that about 5 to 10 ft. above the ground, he applied full power and began to "slowly" retract the flaps. Encountering what he described as "wind shear," he reported that, the airplane became "vertical" and he lost directional control. He added that, he immediately banked to the right and applied full right rudder, subsequently, the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported checking the airport's automated weather observation system (AWOS), which was reporting wind from 120° at 12 knots, prior to the approach. He further reported the sky condition as clear, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 53°F, and wind gusts to 20 knots. The pilot selected runway 15. As a recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have avoided areas with gusts greater than 10 knots. The student pilot reported that, during his second low approach, the airplane was stable at 75 knots and full flaps and about 20 ft above ground level (agl). He added, that about 5 to 10 ft agl, he applied full power and began to "slowly" retract the flaps. Encountering what he described as "wind shear," he reported that the airplane became "vertical" and that he lost directional control. He added that he immediately banked to the right and applied full right rudder. Subsequently, the airplane's left wing struck the ground. The airplane came to rest off the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported checking the airport's automated weather observation system, which was reporting wind from 120° at 12 knots, before the approach. He further reported the sky condition as clear, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 53°F, and wind gusts to 20 knots. The pilot selected runway 15. As a recommendation, the student pilot reported that he should have avoided areas with gusts greater than 10 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/instructed pilot - C
• — Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Gusts-Effect on operation