Pilot Debrief

TEXTRON AVIATION INC 172S near Melbourne, FL — 2024-03-15

Final reportERA24LA145
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Date
2024-03-15
Location
Melbourne, FL, USA
Airport
MLB
Aircraft
TEXTRON AVIATION INC 172S
Registration
N838ER
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot was on the first leg of his initial solo cross-country flight. He was initially cleared for an approach to runway 9R at the destination airport, with a surface wind reported from 110° at 13 knots. After reporting a 7-mile final for runway 9R, tower controller directed him to land on runway 5. During landing, as the nose wheel touched down, the airplane “weathervaned” to the right. He abruptly added left rudder, which resulted in the airplane’s wheels “side drift[ing]” to the right and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane departed the runway to the right, eventually coming to rest in a grassy area adjacent to the runway. The right wing and upper fuselage were substantially damaged during the runway excursion. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Following the accident, the flight school that operated the airplane reminded its students that when they are switched from a runway with a headwind to one with a crosswind, it is acceptable to decline an air traffic control request if students are uncomfortable with it.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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