GAA18CA116

Factual narrative

The student pilot reported that, during landing, a strong gust of wind "pushed" the airplane left laterally across the runway after touchdown. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a snow bank, and came to rest nosed down perpendicular to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the 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 automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about the time of the accident, that the wind was variable at 3 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 07. The student pilot reported that, during landing, a strong wind gust "pushed" the airplane left laterally across the runway. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, struck a snow bank, and then came to rest nose down perpendicular to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the 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 automated weather observation system located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was variable at 3 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 07. 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-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Snow/ice-Effect on equipment