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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 17, 2009 · Cessna 172S S · N541ER

Flagstaff, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 172S S
Tail Number
N541ER
Operator
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA266

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 Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

In a written statement, the student pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was for him to complete his first solo cross-country flight as a step toward obtaining his private pilot certificate. The airplane 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 it 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 wheel landing gear subsequently collapsed, resulting in damage to the engine firewall and right wing tip. The student pilot further stated that an airport traffic controller reported a wind velocity of 3 knots, gusting to 15 knots just prior to his attempted landing. The operator reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 MST
Nearest AirportFlagstaff Pulliam (0nm)
Runway21
Runway Length8800 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S S
Tail NumberN541ER
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEmbry Riddle Aeronautical University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-L2C · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 22 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 3 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data