Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors contributing to the accident are high and gusting winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot overflew the runway, and checked the automated weather reporting station for the airport. The pilot stated that the station was reporting 27 to 35-knots sustained winds with gusts from 40 to 45-knots. The pilot then landed on runway 02 (a 5,000-foot by 75-foot asphalt runway) with 0-degrees of flaps. He added that during the flare, a gust of wind "picked-up" the right side of the airplane and subsequently the airplane dropped to the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage just aft of the engine mount attachment point was buckled.
Source record
Factual narrative
The 58-hour student pilot overflew the runway, and checked the automated weather reporting station for the airport. The pilot stated that the station was reporting 27 to 35-knots sustained winds with gusts from 40 to 45-knots. The pilot then landed on runway 02 (a 5,000-foot by 75-foot asphalt runway) with 0-degrees of flaps. He added that during the flare, a gust of wind "picked-up" the right side of the airplane and subsequently the airplane dropped to the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage just aft of the engine mount attachment point was buckled.