Primary finding
Probable cause
the student pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft after initiating a flight into adverse weather conditions. The strong, gusting wind was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While on a student training flight, the student pilot lost control of the aircraft and impacted the ground following takeoff. Winds at the time were 16 knots gusting to 22.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 24, 1996, at 0930 mountain standard time, a Domaille Rans S-12 experimental home built, N4017S, impacted the ground following takeoff from Coronado Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The student pilot received fatal injuries and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area student solo flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed Coronado Airport approximately 10 minutes prior to the accident. According to available information, the pilot had accumulated approximately 20 hours of total flight experience and about 7 hours in make and model. All of this time was reported to be in the previous 90 days. Weather at the time was clear with wind from 250 degrees magnetic at 16 knots with gusts to 22 knots. Examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector provided no evidence of system or airframe failure or malfunction. According to the inspector, witnesses said the pilot appeared to lose control of the aircraft due to the winds. -