Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that he was conducting a solo flight in the airport traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He stated that the airplane made a "soft landing on [the] main wheels." However, once the nose landing gear touched down, the airplane "darted" to the left. His attempts to maintain control were unsuccessful, and the airplane departed the runway pavement. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies related to the nosewheel steering or main wheel brakes. The recorded wind was calm about the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot reported that he was conducting a solo instructional flight in the airport traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He stated that it was a "soft landing on [the] main wheels." However, once the nose landing gear touched down the airplane "darted" to the left. His attempts to maintain control were unsuccessful and the airplane departed the runway pavement. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies related to the nose wheel steering or main wheel brakes. The recorded wind was calm about the time of the accident.