Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a left crosswind, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, he made flight control and power setting inputs to compensate for a left crosswind. He added that, shortly after touchdown, the nosewheel "violently shimmied," so he applied back pressure on the control yoke, and the airplane began "to roll and yaw to the right." The student applied left rudder control, and the nosewheel began to shimmy again. The airplane travelled toward the left edge of the runway, and the student decided to apply heavy braking. The airplane encountered soft soil and subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA269 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 14, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tomball, Texas
- Nearest airport
- David Wayne Hooks Memorial (DWH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N8159U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- 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.