Accident Details
The airplane sustained substantial damage when the student pilot lost directional control during the landing rollout and collided with a snow bank bordering the runway. The pilot had just returned from a local solo instructional flight. During the flight, winds increased from 6 knots to 12 knots, with the direction remaining unchanged and producing approximately a 60-degree right crosswind.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that during the initial landing attempt, the airplane drifted to the left, prompting him to execute a go-around. He described the second approach as "fine." Upon touchdown, the pilot applied additional aileron input but noted that the airplane continued to drift left. He felt the right wing rise and made a conscious effort to apply more aileron. Despite these inputs, the drift persisted, and the airplane ran through snow at the edge of the runway. The impact with the snow bank broke off the nose wheel, causing the airplane to drop to the ground and skid for approximately 30 feet.
Damage
The outboard section of the left wing was buckled during the accident sequence. The airplane was substantially damaged.