Cessna 172K N84688 accident near Moline, Illinois

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The solo student pilot stated he was in the practice area and made the decision to return to the departure airport due to increasing winds. The pilot reported that on the landing rollout he felt a “large gust of wind” elevate the left wing making the airplane veer to the right. The pilot attempted to “pull back and brake.” The airplane exited the runway, and the left main wheel and strut impacted a runway sign which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A wind limitation in the flight school pre-solo packet states surface winds must be “less than 15 knot winds” and “less than 7 knot crosswind component.” The flight instructor did not list any limitations on the student’s initial solo endorsement. Five minutes before the accident, surface winds were reported from 230° at 17 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The student pilot was landing on runway 27. Runway 23 was closed at the time of the accident.

According to the owner of the flight school, the student did not check in with her before launching to discuss weather and his flight plan as he was supposed to.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA111 for the full record.