Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: San Antonio, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The student pilot was attempting to land in gusty wind conditions. The approach was fast and the airplane bounced, then came back down in the grass next to the runway. The left wing hit a tree.
The closest weather reporting station was located 15 nautical miles to the southeast of the accident site. Twenty minutes before the accident, the reported wind at the weather station was from 190° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s inadequate compensation for wind while landing in gusty wind conditions.
NTSB Identification: CEN11CA257
This April 2011 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.
It’s not the student’s fault: it’s the Instructor who’s gonna bite the bullet.