Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that she was returning from a solo cross-country flight. During the landing roll, as she released back pressure on the flight controls, she stated that it felt like the right wheel “caught” and the airplane veered to the right. The student pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder; however, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and rudder. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.