Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CEN10CA356

Eden Prairie, MN, USA

Aircraft #1

N9253S

BEECH C23

Analysis

The student pilot and his certified flight instructor performed three takeoff and landings at the accident airport in preparation for the student pilot's second solo flight. During the takeoff and landings, the wind was from the northwest at 8 to 11 knots with no wind gusts. After approximately 0.7 hours of flight time, the certified flight instructor exited the airplane and the student pilot taxied to the runway for takeoff. About the time of departure, the wind began to gust to 17 knots. The student pilot stated that during the landing flare, he experienced a downwash and that the airplane ballooned and turned to the right. He added power and applied rudder, but the nosewheel hit the runway and the airplane veered off the runway. The certified flight instructor placed a maximum wind limitation of 15 knots on the student pilot's initial solo endorsement.

Factual Information

The student pilot and his certified flight instructor performed three takeoff and landings at the accident airport in preparation for the student pilot's second solo flight. During these three takeoff and landings, the winds were from the northwest at 8 to 11 knots with no wind gusts. After approximately 0.7 hours of flight time, the certified flight instructor exited the airplane, and the student pilot taxied to runway 28L for takeoff. About the time of departure, the winds began to gust to 17 knots. The student pilot stated that during the landing flare on runway 28L, he experienced a "downwash" and the airplane "ballooned and turned to the right." The student pilot added "some power" and applied rudder, but the nose wheel hit the runway and the airplane veered off the runway. The certified flight instructor placed a maximum wind limitation of 15 knots on the student pilot's initial solo endorsement.

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s loss of airplane control while landing with gusting wind.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports