Incident Overview
During a training flight, a student pilot, after completing crosswind landing practice with a certified flight instructor (CFI), continued solo. The tower subsequently changed the designated landing runway from 26 to 35, which the student accepted. The student performed the first solo landing well until the nose gear was lowered, at which point the aircraft veered off the runway and nosed over in soft grass.
Background
Prior to the solo flight, the CFI and student had been practicing crosswind landings on runway 26. The wind was reported from 290 degrees at 11 knots. After several landings, the CFI exited the aircraft, allowing the student to continue alone.
Event Details
Once airborne, the tower changed the landing runway to 35. The student accepted the change and executed the landing approach. The landing was progressing well until the nose gear was lowered, leading to the aircraft veering off the runway and nosing over.
Comments from Chief Flight Instructor
The chief flight instructor stated that the crosswind condition should have been avoided by both the tower and the pilot. Additionally, he noted that maintenance personnel should be more aware of wind and weather conditions and how they affect aircraft before deciding to perform airport checks. He suggested that continued use of runway 26 might have prevented the accident.