Piper PA-28-161 N9088D accident near Maple Lake, Minnesota

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a gusting crosswind.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that during landing the airplane “dipped steeply to the right” due to a gusting wind. The student pilot corrected for the dip by applying left aileron and power before touching down on the ice-covered runway. After touchdown, the airplane skidded to the left with the nose pointed to the right and departed the runway. Upon departing the runway, the nose landing gear dug into the snow which resulted in substantial damage to the engine mount. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the student pilot was landing with an 80° right crosswind at 9 knots gusting to 14 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA141 for the full record.