Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusty wind conditions which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that, he configured the airplane for landing on runway 22R and touched down on the runway centerline. Upon landing, the airplane encountered a wind gust and became airborne. The airplane drifted off the runway area and the wings oscillated with the tips making contact with the surface. As a result of the impact, the airplane sustained substantial damage to the upper fuselage skin located between the wing roots. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. An aviation routine weather report (METAR) for the airport about 25 minutes after the accident reported winds from 310o at 10 knots with gusts to 17 knots.