Accident Details
The student pilot was conducting a solo flight and returning to the airport for landing. During the landing on runway 35, a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the right side of the runway. The pilot stated that he was "unable to recover" from the deviation. The airplane subsequently landed hard, bounced, and came to rest inverted.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the empennage. The extent of damage indicates a significant impact during the landing sequence.
Weather Information
Data from the automated weather observation station located 8 nautical miles to the south-southeast of the airport reported that, approximately 5 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 280 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots. The wind direction and gusts were consistent with conditions that could affect a landing aircraft.
Pilot Report
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was performing as expected before the event.