Cessna 177A N30433 accident near Palmyra, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing with gusty wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that while landing near touchdown, the airplane encountered an unexpected strong wind gust, and the airplane veered to the left of the runway. He then attempted a go-around by applying full engine power and removing carburetor heat. The airplane did not climb, bounced off the terrain, and impacted a stand of trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The student 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 the airplane on runway 27 with wind from 330° at 5 knots (kts) and wind gusts greater than 10 kts.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA299 for the full record.