Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary SEA94LA077

EVANSTON, WY, USA

Aircraft #1

N19678

CESSNA 172

Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING A LANDING IN GUSTY CROSSWINDS, THE STUDENT PILOT, WHO WAS ON HIS FIRST SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING THE LANDING ROLL. HIS REMEDIAL ACTION WAS NOT ADEQUATE TO KEEP THE AIRCRAFT FROM DEPARTING THE SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. AFTER DEPARTING THE RUNWAY, THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED A SNOW BANK.

Factual Information

On March 8, 1994, approximately 1615 mountain standard time (MST), a Cessna 172, N19678, impacted the terrain during the landing roll at Burns Field, Evanston, Wyoming. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The solo instructional flight, which departed Big Piney Municipal Airport, Big Piney, Wyoming, about one hour earlier, was in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot was on a VFR flight plan, and there was no report of an ELT activation. According to the operator, the student pilot was returning to Evanston from his first solo cross-country flight. While attempting a landing in gusty crosswinds, the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft, and his remedial action was not adequate to keep the aircraft from departing the side of the runway. After departing the runway, the airplane impacted a snow bank with one of its wings.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS. FACTORS INCLUDE GUSTY CROSSWIND, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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