No fatalities

Student Pilot Reports Complacency in Crosswind Landing Accident

Slaton, TX, United States

On February 12, 2019, a Piper PA24 260 was involved in an aviation accident near Slaton, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's reported complacency and failure to compensate for the right crosswind during landing. 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

The student pilot reported becoming complacent during a solo cross-country flight landing, failing to compensate for a right crosswind, which caused the airplane to exit the runway, collapse the right main landing gear, and sustain substantial damage to the right wing and stabilator.

Accident Details

During a solo cross-country flight, the student pilot initiated a landing on runway 18. At the time, the wind was reported from 220° at 9 knots, creating a right crosswind condition. According to the student pilot's report, he became complacent during the landing and did not compensate for the crosswind. As a result, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway, crossing over a taxiway. The right main landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the right wing and stabilator struck the ground.

Pilot Report

The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He attributed the accident to his own complacency and failure to adjust for the crosswind conditions.

Damage and Conditions

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the stabilator. No other damage was reported. The reported wind at the time of the accident was from 220° at 9 knots.

Probable cause

The student pilot's reported complacency and failure to compensate for the right crosswind during landing.

Contributing factors

Causes

Student/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedCrosswind correction — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation