The student pilot was conducting a solo flight when he was unable to keep the SlipStream International Genesis aligned with the centerline of the runway at the airport in Buffalo, Missouri, due to a right crosswind.
Witnesses reported that the airplane veered left of the runway and hit trees before it came to rest in a grass area.
The airplane’s left wing and forward fuselage were substantially damaged during the accident. The student pilot was seriously injured in the crash.
After the accident, the student pilot stated that he had difficulty with the right crosswind and believed the airplane had an aileron issue. He added that the airplane’s left wing collided with the trees with the engine at full power.
Examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies or failures that would have prevented its normal operation. Flight control continuity for the ailerons, elevator, and rudder was confirmed.
It is likely the student pilot did not maintain control of the airplane during the crosswind landing, which resulted in the airplane drifting off the left side of the runway and into trees.
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the crosswind landing, which resulted in the airplane drifting off the left side of the runway and into trees.
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This January 2024 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.
THAT’s an airplane?
“The student thought there was an aileron issue.”
There was. He didn’t use it, and the wind lifted that wing up and he headed for the trees in a left turn. A 7-knot quartering crosswind should have been manageable enough. I wonder how much crosswind experience he had? Methinks the answer is not much.
Oh, well. Back to the books.
/J