GAA18CA058

Factual narrative

The solo student pilot in the high-performance airplane reported that, during approach, the airplane descended through turbulence. He added that the automated weather observation system reported wind "variable between 110 and 160", and he was landing on runway 8, so he "crabbed to the right". During the landing flare, he aligned the airplane with the runway centerline and "was quickly pushed left". The student added full power to go around and, about 30-50 ft off the ground, "a gust of wind caused [him] to bank/turn left" and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the student pilot did not possess a high-performance endorsement. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 140° at 8 knots, wind variable from 110° to 170°. The airplane landed on runway 8. The solo student pilot in the high-performance airplane reported that, during approach, the airplane descended through turbulence. He added that the automated weather observation system reported wind "variable between 110 and 160" and that he was landing on runway 8, so he "crabbed to the right." During the landing flare, he aligned the airplane with the runway centerline and "was quickly pushed left." The student added full power to go around, and about 30 to 50 ft above the ground, "a gust of wind caused [him] to bank/turn left," and the airplane impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the student pilot did not possess a high-performance endorsement. A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport revealed that, about 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 140° at 8 knots and variable from 110° to 170°. The airplane landed on runway 8. 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-Lateral/bank 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-Crosswind-Effect on operation
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Powerplant parameters-Not attained/maintained
• — Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Student/instructed pilot