Accident Sequence
A student pilot, accompanied by a flight instructor, performed three touch-and-go landings on runway 31. After the instructor exited the airplane, the student completed four solo touch-and-go landings. During these solo circuits, the student began to encounter heavier winds. Following the fifth landing, as the student applied power for another takeoff, a gust of wind caught the airplane, causing it to veer to the right. The student reported applying left rudder, which resulted in an abrupt left turn. The airplane departed the runway, contacted soft terrain, and nosed over.
Wind Conditions
Weather observations from a station located 12 miles northwest of the airport, taken 5 minutes prior to the accident, indicated winds from 320 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 20 knots.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot had accumulated a total of 17 hours of flight experience.