No fatalities

Student Pilot Loses Control During Touch-and-Go in Gusty Winds

Emporia, KS, United States

On January 18, 2009, a CESSNA 172S operated by HETRICK AIR SERVICES INC. was involved in an aviation accident near Emporia, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the touch-and-go. Contributing to the accident were the gusty crosswinds. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot lost control during a touch-and-go on a 4,999-foot asphalt runway after encountering a gust of wind, exiting the runway and damaging the firewall. Winds were gusting to 22 knots, exceeding the pilot's 7-knot crosswind endorsement.

Accident Overview

A solo student pilot was conducting touch-and-go landing practices on a 4,999-foot-long, 100-foot-wide asphalt runway in a single-engine, high-wing airplane. Despite winds stronger than forecast, the pilot proceeded with approaches.

Sequence of Events

During the second touch-and-go on runway 01, the student pilot reported that a gust of wind caused a loss of control. The airplane veered off the right side of the runway and struck terrain in a dirt field, resulting in damage to the firewall.

Weather Conditions

An automated weather report at the airfield indicated wind from 330 degrees at 14 knots, gusting to 22 knots at the time of the accident.

Pilot Endorsement

The student pilot's logbook showed an endorsement for solo flight with a maximum crosswind component of 7 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedResponse/compensationPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 2009 CESSNA 172S accident near Emporia, KS?

A solo student pilot lost control during a touch-and-go on a 4,999-foot asphalt runway after encountering a gust of wind, exiting the runway and damaging the firewall. Winds were gusting to 22 knots, exceeding the pilot's 7-knot crosswind endorsement.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 Jan 2009 CESSNA 172S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 2009 involved a CESSNA 172S, operated by HETRICK AIR SERVICES INC., at Emporia, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during the touch-and-go. Contributing to the accident were the gusty crosswinds.