What happened
A solo student pilot was conducting practice landing operations under conditions that included 15-knot winds blowing from approximately 60 degrees to the right of the active runway heading. During one of the fourth landing attempts, the aircraft's right wing lifted unexpectedly during the rollout phase. In response to this deviation, the pilot applied corrective control inputs, which inadvertently caused the left roll to increase rather than stabilize.
Recognizing the deteriorating situation, the pilot decided to abort the landing and applied power in an attempt to take off again. The pilot then attempted to turn while flying with the wind. This maneuver proved unsuccessful, and the airplane struck the ground in a nose-low attitude, coming to rest to the left of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances surrounding the loss of control during the landing rollout. Key factors included the crosswind component relative to the runway heading and the pilot's reaction to the right wing lift. The sequence of events indicates that the corrective action taken by the pilot exacerbated the roll condition, leading to the decision to go around.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during a crosswind landing rollout. The combination of wind direction and speed created challenging conditions for a student pilot. The subsequent attempt to take off while turning with the wind further compromised the aircraft's performance and controllability, resulting in the ground impact.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of proper crosswind landing techniques and the risks associated with attempting a go-around from a low altitude or unstable approach. Pilots must ensure they have sufficient airspeed and control authority before committing to a climb-out, especially when wind conditions are not aligned with the runway.