Fort Meade, MD, USA
N22QT
Flight Design CTSW
According to an FAA inspector who interviewed the student pilot, the student pilot stated that during the final approach to land in gusty wind conditions, the airplane rolled left, and the left wingtip struck the ground. The airplane cartwheeled, and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The FAA inspector said the student pilot told him that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. Additionally, the FAA inspector examined the airplane, and found no flight control or mechanical anomalies. Winds at a nearby reporting station were from 310 degrees at 11 knots, with gusts to 19 knots.
An FAA inspector stated that during his interview with the student pilot, the pilot said that "the winds were very gusty" during the approach. On the final approach to land, according to the pilot, the airplane rolled left. The left wing tip struck the ground, and the airplane began to cartwheel. When questioned further, the student pilot said that he did not experience any mechanical or flight control anomalies prior to the accident. The FAA inspector examined the airplane and found no flight control or mechanical anomalies. The airplane was destroyed in the accident. The student pilot did not submit the NTSB 6120.1 accident/incident form. Winds at a nearby reporting station were from 310 degrees at 11 knots with gusts to 19 knots.
The student pilot's inadequate compensation for the gusty wind conditions during the landing flare, resulting in a loss of control, and an in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was the wind gusts.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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