Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate crosswind landing technique and the certified flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot, the purpose of the instructional flight was to practice crosswind landings. The flight was to be the student pilot's last flight in preparation for his first solo flight. The certified flight instructor (CFI) who was giving the instruction reported that the airplane was landed hard with a side load. Inspection of the airplane after the flight revealed a crack in the right wing’s rear spar. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane during the flight.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11LA067 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 26, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Melbourne, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Melbourne International Airpor (MLB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-161
- N-number
- N616FT
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.