Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain crosswind correction during a go-around in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, as the airplane entered ground effect, while landing in crosswind conditions, a wind gust lifted the airplane and pushed it to the left. He added that he initiated a go-around and "[pushed] the nose down slightly to gain lift." He further added that, during the go-around, he "must have relaxed the aileron countering the wind," and a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground and spun around.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the 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 automated weather observation system located on the airport reported that, about 23 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 16.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA338 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 14, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Estherville, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Estherville Muni (EST)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28
- N-number
- N33764
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- 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.