Primary finding
Probable cause
the student pilot's premature flare resulting in the loss of aircraft control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the student pilot she flared too early, ballooned, and impacted the runway. She stated that when she impacted the runway, she was not aligned with the centerline and the airplane departed the runway to the left. The airplane slid into the snow, resulting in substantial damage. The student reported no anomalies with the airplane or any of its systems.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the student pilot, she was on her first solo flight. During the last landing to runway 15 (8,500 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) she "flared too early", ballooned, and impacted the runway. She stated that when she impacted the runway, she was not aligned with the centerline and the airplane departed the runway to the left. The airplane slid into the snow. Postaccident examination revealed both wing spars were bent up and the propeller was bent. The student reported no anomalies with the airplane or any of its systems.