ATL98LA058

The student pilot stated that while landing on runway 14, a wind gust hit the airplane and forced it off the runway. The airplane received substantial damage. After a formal interview, an FAA inspector stated that the student pilot did not execute proper crosswind landing techniques.

On March 15, 1998, about 1700 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N49551, sustained substantial damage during landing, at the La Belle Municipal Airport, La Belle, Florida. The airplane was operated by the student pilot, under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed for the solo cross-country flight. The student pilot and sole occupant was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Palm Beach County Airport, for the purpose of a student cross country flight with a stop in Okeechobee, then in LaBelle, returning to Palm Beach. Departure time at Palm Beach is unknown, the aircraft departed Okeechobee at 1645 eastern standard time.

According to the student pilot, while making a crosswind landing on runway 14, a wind gust hit the aircraft forcing it nose left, he lost control of the airplane and ran off the left side of the runway into a ditch. The aircraft's nose gear collapsed, and the propeller and left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot also noted that the carpeting had rolled up in front of the rudder pedals.

According to the FAA, after a formal interview with the student pilot, the inspector stated that the student did not execute proper crosswind landing technique's. This resulted in a loss of control on the landing roll. According to the FAA inspector, the carpeting that had allegedly rolled up in front of the rudder pedals was determined not to be a factor in the accident. The FAA stated that the student pilot would need to re-qualify with his flight instructor on proper procedures for cross country flight and crosswind landing techniques.