Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper landing flare in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, during a solo flight, while landing, she encountered a wind gust that "tilted" the airplane right. She attempted to maintain centerline, but the left main landing gear touched down hard. She then taxied to park without further incident.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar.
The student pilot 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 about 8 miles southeast of the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 3 knots. The student pilot landed the airplane on runway 11.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA292 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 11, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Merritt Island, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Merritt Island (COI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N610FT
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1989
- 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.