Accident Summary
A student pilot was conducting a training flight and had entered the left downwind leg for runway 27 at an altitude of 2,000 feet mean sea level. The pilot subsequently turned onto base leg and then final approach, reporting that everything appeared normal. During the flare, just before touchdown, the airplane unexpectedly veered to the left due to a crosswind. The pilot stated that the airspeed was insufficient to correct the deviation, and the aircraft departed the left side of the runway, striking brush and saplings.
Pilot Account
In a post-accident statement, the student pilot described the sequence: He was on the left downwind for runway 27 at 2,000 feet msl. He executed the turn to base and final without any perceived issues. After initiating the flare and prior to touching down, a crosswind caught him off guard, causing the airplane to yaw left. The pilot noted that he did not have enough airspeed to counteract the maneuver, and the airplane subsequently impacted vegetation and trees adjacent to the runway.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane following the accident. The examination revealed that the aircraft had struck trees and a ditch. Specific damage included compromised engine mounts and firewall, a wrinkled fuselage, and separation of the right wingtip. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the event, and the postaccident inspection did not uncover any mechanical anomalies. The airplane's performance was consistent with normal operation, and no pre-existing defects were identified.