Primary finding
Probable cause
The unfavorable gusting winds. A factor was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a series of touch and go landings the student pilot observed a storm approaching from the south so he elected to make the next approach to a full stop. During final approach the student pilot had trouble maintaining control when the wind 'suddenly shifted and the airplane reacted violently to the turbulence.' the pilot was able to land but the airplane departed the runway and nosed over. An instructor pilot/witness confirmed the sudden shift in the wind. The approaching storm and change in wind conditions were unforcasted.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 1, 1994, at 1916 central daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N66322, was substantially damaged when it nosed over during landing at Mesquite, Texas. The solo student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The following is based on the pilot/operator report. The pilot was practicing touch and go landings when he observed a storm approaching from the south. He decided to make his next approach to a full stop. He described his final approach as "normal until the wind shifted suddenly" and "the plane reacted violently to the turbulence." The pilot said he was able to land but "the wind blew me off the runway" and the airplane nosed over. He said a flight instructor/witness had told him the "wind had changed suddenly while he was on final approach, and it appeared he had encountered wind shear." The abrupt weather changes were not forecasted. -