NTSB Factual Report

On July 19, 2001, approximately 0940 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N4662Q, was substantially damaged during landing at the Millville Airport (MIV), Millville, New Jersey. The certificated student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The student pilot stated that he intended to perform a solo cross-country flight to Cape May, New Jersey; however, shortly after departure he returned to MIV due to poor visibility. He entered the traffic pattern for runway 14 and prepared for a landing. The student pilot reported that just after he touched down on the centerline, the airplane veered to the left and struck a runway sign. The airplane then slid about 100 feet and came to rest in the grass.

The student pilot reported about 35 hours of total flight experience, 30 of which were accumulated in make and model. He also reported that the wind "may have been a factor" in the accident. The student pilot additionally stated that he received a weather briefing prior to the flight; however, he could not remember its contents.

The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. According to the inspector, the left side of the fuselage was "buckled", the underside of the fuselage was damaged, and the propeller was bent. No mechanical malfunctions were identified with the airplane.

The weather reported at MIV, at 0954, included wind from 050 degrees at 15 knots, visibility 10 miles, overcast ceiling at 2300 feet, temperature 21 degrees Celsius, and dew point 17 degrees Celsius.

The student pilot did not respond to three requests to complete the NTSB Form 6120.1/2.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to compensate for wind conditions and his failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor was the crosswind.