This June 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172.
Location: Santa Barbara, Calif.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot said the landing was normal, but during the rollout a gust of wind struck the airplane, and it veered off the runway and hit a taxiway light. The nose and left landing gear collapsed, and the empennage sustained substantial damage.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control.