Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate crosswind landing technique, resulting in an excessive side load on the left landing gear that led to an overload failure of its axle.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot said that while landing on runway 35 with a north-northeast wind of 8 mph, he failed to lower the right wing into the wind. The wind raised the right wing while he was using left rudder. The airplane swerved to the east and the left wheel broke off. The airplane then nosed down, buckling the firewall. The airplane was a Cessna 150F with a tailwheel conversion. FAA inspectors who examined the airplane reported the left axle bore a fracture surface consistent with an overload failure.

Contributing factors

cause Student pilot
cause Capability exceeded

Conditions

Weather: VMC, wind 020/10kt, vis 10sm

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29 Aug 2009: CESSNA 150F — Estol L. Bathurst