Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on final approach to the runway, the airplane encountered unexpected wind, and the student pilot decided to abort the landing. He then applied full throttle and increased pitch. During the attempted aborted landing, a right quartering tailwind blew the airplane off the runway area, and the left wing and nose wheel contacted the terrain. The airplane came to rest upright adjacent to the runway and sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and both wings. The student pilot stated there were no anomalies with the airframe or engine. He recommended that the accident could have been prevented if he maintained sufficient airspeed during final approach.
Source record
Factual narrative
While on final approach to the runway, the airplane encountered unexpected winds, and the student pilot decided to abort the landing. He then applied full throttle and increased pitch. During the attempted aborted landing, a right quartering tailwind "blew the airplane off the runway area", and the left wing and nose wheel contacted the terrain. The airplane came to rest upright adjacent to the runway and sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and both wings. The student pilot stated there were no anomalies with the airframe or engine. He recommended that the accident could have been prevented if he maintained sufficient airspeed during final approach.