Incident Overview
A student pilot experienced a runway excursion while attempting to land in strong crosswind conditions. The pilot reported that during the landing on runway 12R, the airplane touched down on the center line but then veered sharply to the left. In an attempt to correct, the pilot applied rudder and aileron inputs, but overcorrected, causing the airplane to veer sharply to the right and exit the runway.
Aborted Landing and Final Resting Position
After exiting the runway, the pilot applied full throttle to abort the landing. However, the airplane veered left across the runway and continued off the left side. It proceeded down an embankment, where the nose impacted an "upslope" on the far side of a ditch, and the airplane came to rest inverted.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the empennage (tail section) and both wings of the airplane.
Pilot Report and Mechanical Condition
The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather observation system, located approximately one mile from the accident site, reported wind conditions around the time of the accident. About 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 190° at 13 knots. About 15 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 210° at 17 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The pilot landed on runway 12R.