Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During landing on runway 13 the airplane drifted off the left side of the runway and the left wing impacted a vasi light assembly. The solo student pilot stated that the rudder was blocked and he was not able to control the airplane. Examination of the airplane by the operator did not reveal any blockage or anomalies. Wind was from 090 degrees at 13 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 20, 1995, at 1646 central daylight time, a Piper PA-38- 112, N23557, was substantially damaged during landing near Corpus Christi, Texas. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the solo cross country training flight. According to the operator, the student pilot departed the Brownsville International Airport on a solo cross country flight. While landing on Runway 13 at the Corpus Christi International Airport, the airplane drifted to the left side of the runway. The left wing impacted a VASI light assembly, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the nose landing gear was bent, damaging the engine firewall. Wind was from 090 degrees at 13 knots. The student pilot stated that the rudder was blocked during the landing roll and he was unable to maintain directional control. Examination of the airplane by the operator did not reveal any binding, blockage or anomalies with the rudder or nose wheel steering of the airplane. -