NTSB Factual Report

On May 18, 2007, approximately 1415 mountain daylight time, the right wing of a Cessna 150M, N9397U, impacted the ground off the side of runway 30 at Spanish Fork Airport, Spanish Fork, Utah. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant was not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the partnership of which the student pilot is a member, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional proficiency flight, which departed the same airport about 15 minutes prior to the accident, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, while landing in gusty crosswind conditions on runway 30, the aircraft ballooned during the landing flare. When it touched down, it began rocking from side to side, and because he was unable to keep it aligned with the runway centerline, it soon departed the left side of the runway. After departing the runway, it crossed an unpaved median and a taxiway, and then encountered a small ditch. The encounter with the ditch stopped the aircraft, and also resulted in the aircraft's right wing coming in contact with the terrain. According to the FAA Inspector who later looked at the aircraft, there was no evidence of any anomaly in the rudder control system or the nosewheel steering system. In addition, the aircraft was looked at by an airframe and powerplant mechanic based at the Spanish Fork Airport, and he confirmed that there were no issues with the nose wheel steering or rudder systems. In a post-accident interview, the pilot stated that the crosswind was more than he was able to handle.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors include gusty crosswinds, and a ditch near the runway environment.