Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a drainage culvert.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, during his first solo flight in the pattern, he aborted the first landing because he was uncomfortable with the airplane's runway alignment. During the subsequent approach, the airplane was crabbed slightly to the right. He recalled that, just before the airplane touched down, he applied left rudder, and that, upon touchdown, the airplane bounced. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with a drainage culvert and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that the wind at the time of the accident was calm.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA165 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 12, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Akron, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Colorado Plains Rgnl (AKO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus SR20
- N-number
- N418DE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2018
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.