Cessna 150 N23398 accident near Statesville, North Carolina

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain crosswind correction during landing and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and flight instructor’s decision to land with gusting tailwinds.

NTSB analysis

The pilot receiving instruction's attorney reported that the pilot was performing routine pattern work; during landing, the airplane encountered turbulence and wind gusts. He added that, a strong gust of wind blew the right wing up, which pushed the airplane to the left side of the runway. Subsequently, the airplane came to rest partially off the runway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

The attorney reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 200° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed on runway 10.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA235 for the full record.