Cessna 172S N541ER accident near Flagstaff, Arizona

Probable cause

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions and failure to maintain directional control during landing.

NTSB analysis

The purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to complete his first solo cross-country flight as a step toward obtaining his private pilot certificate. He touched down normally at the first airport on his three-leg flight. While on the landing roll, the airplane encountered a strong gust of wind, resulting in the airplane veering to the left. Despite the pilot's control inputs, the airplane continued to the left and departed the runway surface, impacting a dirt berm adjacent to the runway. The nose landing gear subsequently collapsed, resulting in firewall damage. The wind velocity was reported at 3 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA266 for the full record.