Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with a runway sign.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported he was making his third landing when the airplane bounced, exited the runway, and collided with a runway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.