Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in crosswind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during touchdown, the airplane encountered a crosswind and was "push[ed]" off the runway to the right into a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and engine mount.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The student pilot reported that the wind was about 5 to 10 knots from a westerly direction. The nearest automated weather observation station, located 27 nautical miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, reported wind from 270° at 3 knots. The student pilot reported that he landed on runway 1.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA169 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 3, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bonifay, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Tri-County (1J0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N6318M
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- 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.