Cessna 150 N5842E accident near Reno, Nevada

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion, impact with a sign, and left wing damage.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that during the landing roll of his first solo flight, a gust of wind lifted the left wing of the airplane. He further reported that he attempted to correct with left rudder but the left wing impact the ground. The airplane continued off the runway to the right, impacted an airport marker, and the left main landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The student pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

A review of recorded data from the automated weather observation station located on the airport, revealed that, about 10 minutes before the accident the wind was 080 degrees true at 3 knots. A further review revealed that, about 10 minutes after the accident the wind was 150 degrees true at 3 knots. The airplane landed on runway 08.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA349 for the full record.