Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate compensation for wind while landing in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot lost directional control of the airplane while landing in gusty wind conditions. The airplane bounced, and touched back down in the grass alongside of the runway, before the left wing impacted a tree. The airplane’s wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. The closest weather reporting station was located 15 nautical miles to the southeast of the accident site. Twenty minutes before the accident, the reported wind was from 190 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The student pilot further reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA257 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 1, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Antonio, Texas
- Nearest airport
- San Geronimo Airpark (8T8)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172K
- N-number
- N79286
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.