Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing with gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that while landing near touchdown, the airplane encountered an unexpected strong wind gust, and the airplane veered to the left of the runway. He then attempted a go-around by applying full engine power and removing carburetor heat. The airplane did not climb, bounced off the terrain, and impacted a stand of trees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the student pilot was landing the airplane on runway 27 with wind from 330° at 5 knots (kts) and wind gusts greater than 10 kts.