Accident Details
A student pilot was on a solo cross-country flight to Monroe County Airport (MVC) in Monroeville, Alabama. Before landing, she consulted the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) at Middleton Field Airport (GZH) in Evergreen, Alabama. The ASOS reported winds variable at 3 knots with gusts up to 14 knots. A review of the 1353 weather observation from GZH indicated winds variable at 5 knots and clear skies. Monroe County Airport (MVC) is located in Monroeville, Alabama, and Middleton Field Airport (GZH) is in Evergreen, Alabama.
Pilot Statement
The student pilot stated that while passing over the runway threshold, a strong gust of wind forced the airplane downward. This caused the airplane to land hard, bending the nose gear aft. She reported no flight control or mechanical anomalies prior to the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane. The inspection revealed that the firewall and underbelly were buckled. No further damage was specified.