NTSB Factual Report

On July 25, 2003, about 1435 eastern daylight time, an Aircraft MFG & Development Company CH2000, N643AM, registered to and operated by National Aviation Holdings, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, departed the runway during the landing roll at Crystal River, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules plan was filed. The airplane incurred substantial damage and the student pilot was not injured. The flight originated from St. Petersburg, Florida, on the same day, about 1300.

The student pilot stated that he was conducting a cross-country flight from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida, to Gainesville, Florida, and he encountered deteriorating weather as he approached Gainesville, Florida, so he elected to deviate to Crystal River, Florida. He said that on final approach to land he had been compensating for a right-quartering headwind, and just before the landing flare a gust of wind from the right affected the airplane. He said he over-corrected for the wind, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway into a muddy area. As the airplane departed the runway, the left main landing gear wheel dug into the mud, and the airplane pivoted to the left, striking some bushes and damaging both wings. Prior to the accident, the student pilot said that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot 's failure to maintain control while landing in crosswind which resulted in airplane departing the runway and incurring damage.