Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while touching down during the landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that the airplane touched down smoothly on the main gear. He reported that as the nose gear settled, the airplane began to drift to the right. He stated that he applied left rudder, but it was ineffective as the airplane was on the nose and right main landing gears. The airplane traveled off the right side of runway 25 onto the grass. The pilot subsequently taxied the airplane back to the ramp. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the firewall was dented. Local winds were reported as being from 040 degrees at 3 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that the airplane touched down smoothly on the main gear. He reported that as the nose gear settled, the airplane began to drift to the right. He stated he applied left rudder, but it was ineffective as the airplane was on the nose and right main landing gears. The airplane traveled off the right side of the runway into the grass. The pilot subsequently taxied the airplane back to the ramp. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the firewall was dented. The landing was being made on runway 25. Local winds were reported as being from 040 degrees at 3 knots.