Pilot Debrief

Cessna 172 near Colorado Springs, CO — 2018-07-22

Final reportGAA18CA433
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Date
2018-07-22
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Airport
FLY
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Registration
N99243
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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