Cessna 172 N99243 accident near Colorado Springs, Colorado

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that, during a check ride and a short-field landing in gusting crosswind conditions, the touchdown was normal, but the airplane quickly veered right. He added that he and the designated pilot examiner applied left rudder to no avail. The airplane exited the runway to the right, the right main landing gear struck a taxiway sign, and the airplane came to rest in the grass adjacent to the taxiway.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer.

The Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a postaccident examination. He reported that the rudder system appeared normal and functioned properly. He added that there were no pre-existing mechanical conditions that could have caused the accident.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 50° at 11 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The airplane landed on runway 33.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA433 for the full record.