Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and substantial damage.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that during landing, the airplane bounced and after it settled back on the runway, veered to the left. He stated that he was unable to maintain directional control and the airplane departed the runway into a ditch, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.