Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to compensate for a wind gust during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and collision with terrain
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that, he was performing a solo night flight. The student made a normal touchdown on the runway and retarded the throttle to idle. The airplane encountered a wind gust and the right wing lifted upward. Despite his aileron and rudder inputs, he was unable to regain control of the airplane. He added full power and the airplane momentarily became airborne before settling back down. The airplane abruptly veered to the right, resulting in him breaking the window and hindering his ability to control the throttle. The airplane departed the runway surface and the left wing was substantially damaged when it contacted the ground. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.