No fatalities

Student Pilot Reports Runway Excursion and Nose-Over After Wind Gust

Tampa, FL, United States

On June 14, 2019, a Cessna 172 K was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over. 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 student pilot reported that after touchdown, a wind gust pushed the airplane left onto soft wet grass; the subsequent attempt to return to the runway resulted in a nose-over, causing substantial left-wing damage.

Accident Summary

A student pilot experienced a loss of directional control after landing when a wind gust pushed the airplane to the left, causing it to depart the runway surface. The aircraft traveled onto soft, wet grass adjacent to the runway. In an effort to correct the deviation, the pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane back onto the paved surface. During this maneuver, the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted or on its nose.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the aircraft. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Report

The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not indicate any other factors beyond the wind condition at the time of landing.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 2019 Cessna 172 K accident near Tampa, FL?

A student pilot reported that after touchdown, a wind gust pushed the airplane left onto soft wet grass; the subsequent attempt to return to the runway resulted in a nose-over, causing substantial left-wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 2019 Cessna 172 K accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 2019 involved a Cessna 172 K, at Tampa, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.