Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172N near Carlsbad, CA — 2026-04-22

Final reportWPR26LA169
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Date
2026-04-22
Location
Carlsbad, CA, USA
Airport
CRQ
Aircraft
CESSNA 172N
Registration
N733WT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control while landing in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The student was conducting a solo flight in the airport traffic pattern. While performing the preflight planning, the student pilot reported the wind was from 260° at 7 knots, which was within her solo limit for the flight. During landing, a gust of wind lifted the right wing and pushed the airplane to the left of the runway. The student pilot attempted to straighten the wings and correct back to the runway; however, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane exited the runway. The left wing and aileron sustained substantial damage. At the time of the accident, the pilot was landing on runway 24, with wind from 300° at 7 knots gusting to 16 knots. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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