Event Details
A student pilot conducting their third solo cross-country flight was on final approach to runway 35. The pilot initially corrected for a left crosswind. During the flare, a gust of wind lifted the left wing, causing the airplane to drift to the right. The pilot applied rudder and aileron controls and regained runway centerline alignment.
A second gust of wind then lifted the left wing again, and the airplane drifted approximately halfway off the runway. The pilot elected to abort the landing. As the left wing continued to rise, the airplane continued to drift to the right. The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane pivoted 180 degrees.
Wind Conditions
Wind reports from Augusta at 0951 and 1018 indicated winds from 260 degrees at 10 knots and from 290 degrees at 9 knots, respectively.