Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was landing with a crosswind. He stated that after the main landing gear touched down, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right. After the nosewheel touched down, the airplane was pointed toward the runway’s precision approach path indicator lights. The airplane subsequently travelled off the right side of the runway and struck two of the lights. Both of the airplane’s wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.