Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE STUDENT PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL BY HIS IMPROPER USE OF THE FLIGHT CONTROLS. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE AND THE CROSSWIND.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 22, 1994, at 0840 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 172, N172ST, exited the left side of runway 22R and collided with a ditch and nosed-over at Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona. The noncertificated student pilot was conducting a local solo visual flight rules instructional flight. The airplane, operated by Superstition Air Service, Falcon Field, sustained substantial damage. The student pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, but with a direct 90-degree left crosswind component. The flight originated at Falcon Field at 0825 hours.
The operator told National Transportation Safety Board investigators during a telephone interview on August 23, 1994, that the student pilot was conducting touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the accident landing, the local controller cleared the student pilot for the option. The student pilot landed normally. During the landing rollout, the airplane veered to the left and its nose gear collided with a ditch and nosed-over.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX94LA334