Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 100; Flight Crew Type 60
Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Weather
My goal of this flight was to improve my crosswind landings. I had recently obtained my pilot license and did not get much experience in crosswind landings during training. Winds were variable at 3 kts when I obtained ATIS but I knew winds were forecast to build throughout the day. I do not recall the winds as read to me by tower after my run up but they had increased during my taxi. After takeoff on my first downwind leg of pattern work winds had built to 06015g18. I was in the pattern for RWY XX (near-direct crosswind.) At this time I decided that I wanted to land and end the flight; winds were beyond my comfort zone. I didn't like my first approach so I went around. I landed on my second approach. After landing the plane was being blown toward the left side of the runway. I had full right aileron in upon landing. I began to apply right rudder to correct the drift to the left but was unable to correct it in time. The left landing gear fairing struck a runway edge light.This incident was primarily a result of me being inexperienced and unable to apply correct rudder input fast enough. After exiting the runway; I notified ground control of what had happened. Within an hour of the incident I contacted tower to give my contact information and notified the airport manager's office of what had happened. I was rattled by this experience to say the least. I am trying to view it as an expensive learning opportunity. I will be getting more instruction from my CFI in crosswind landing technique as soon as conditions allow.
GA pilot reported striking a runway edge light during a crosswind landing.