NTSB Factual Report

On November 5, 2003, about 1600 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-160 single-engine airplane, N5203W, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control while landing at the Tradewind Airport (TDW), near Amarillo, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local personal flight, which departed TDW approximately 1530.

On the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the 30-hour student pilot stated that while landing on runway 17 after his first solo cross-country flight, right rudder pressure was applied to compensate for the prevailing crosswind conditions. After touchdown, the pilot added that he "failed to release the right rudder," and the airplane veered to the right side of the runway. The pilot further stated that he "overcompensated" with left rudder, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The airplane struck two fences before becoming to a stop.

Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed structural damage to the elevator, left aileron, left flap, and the leading edge of the left wing. The left fuel tank was found to have cracked.

Runway 17 is 5,099 feet long and 60 feet wide. The pilot reported the winds from 150 degrees at 7 to 8 knots, with gusts to 9 knots. At 1553, the reported winds at the Amarillo International Airport (AMA), located approximately five miles from the accident site, was reporting the winds from 080 degrees at 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind condition. Contributing factors were the pilot's lack of total experience in the make and model of aircraft, and the crosswind.