Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172S near Flagstaff, AZ — 2009-05-17

Final reportWPR09CA266
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Date
2009-05-17
Location
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
Airport
FLG
Aircraft
CESSNA 172S
Registration
N541ER
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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