Beech A23 24 N200AG accident near Somerset, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor’s lack of remedial action during a landing attempt in a gusty wind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot owned the airplane and was receiving instruction in it. The student pilot was attempting to land in a gusty wind on runway 25, a 5,002-ft-long, 75-ft-wide, asphalt runway. The airplane initially touched down on the runway, but then “ballooned” back into the air. The airplane subsequently drifted right off the runway and the student pilot attempted abort the landing; however, the airplane descended and struck a runway sign. It came to rest upright in a grass area between the runway and the taxiway. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that the left flap and left main landing gear had separated. Additionally, the left wing and right elevator sustained substantial damage. The examination did not reveal evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The recorded wind about the time of the accident was from 250° at 11 knots, gusting to 19 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA146 for the full record.