Primary finding
Probable cause
the student pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind. Factors were the crosswind and the soft terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that while performing a full stop landing on runway 29, the 7 knot crosswind blew him to the right side of the centerline, and he elected to land on the right side of the runway. After touchdown, 'the right wheel left the runway into the grass,' and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway. The nose wheel 'buried in the mud,' and the airplane came to rest in the inverted position.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 3, 1996, at 1121 central standard time, a Cessna 172K, N84262, registered to and operated by River Valley Aviation Academy, Inc. under Title 14 CFR Part 91, was substantially damaged following loss of control during landing near Danville, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the solo cross country flight. The student pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Russellville, Arkansas, approximately 30 minutes before the accident. The student pilot reported that while performing a full stop landing on runway 29, the 7 knot crosswind blew him to the right of the centerline, and he elected to land on the right side of the runway. After touchdown, "the right wheel left the runway into the grass," and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway. The nose wheel "buried in the mud," and the airplane came to rest in the inverted position. Both wing spars and the vertical stabilizer were structurally damaged. -