Incident Overview
A student pilot experienced a loss of control during landing, causing the aircraft to ground loop and depart the runway. The event occurred on a student cross-country flight, with the aircraft touching down in strong crosswind conditions.
Flight Details
The student pilot had been endorsed to operate only in winds of 12 knots or less. However, the pilot departed from Lakeland bound for Daytona Beach despite forecasts indicating wind speeds exceeding that limitation, thereby violating the endorsement restrictions.
Landing and Loss of Control
Upon arrival at Daytona, the student attempted to land. At the time, the reported wind was from 140 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 22 knots. During the landing, the student lost control of the aircraft, which ground looped and subsequently ran off the runway.