PIPER PA 28
Estherville, IA — June 14, 2017
Event Information
| Date | June 14, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA338 |
| Event ID | 20170614X82103 |
| Location | Estherville, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.40445, -94.74555 |
| Airport | ESTHERVILLE MUNI |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain crosswind correction during a go-around in gusting wind conditions.
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, as the airplane entered ground effect, while landing in crosswind conditions, a gust of wind lifted the airplane and pushed it to the left. He added that he initiated a go-around and "[pushed] the nose down slightly to gain lift". He further added that, during the go-around, he "must have relaxed the aileron countering the wind", and a gust of wind pushed the airplane to the left. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground and spun around.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located on the airport reported, about 23 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 180° at 15 knots, gusting to 21 knots. The student pilot landed on runway 16.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.