Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that during the landing roll he applied the brakes, at which time the airplane veered to the left. He attempted to straighten the airplane with the application of right brake and right rudder. This had no effect. The airplane departed the runway environment to the left and impacted a ditch resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. An examination of the airplane systems revealed no anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
According to the FAA inspector, the pilot was landing on runway 17 (3,919 feet by 48 feet, asphalt). During the landing roll, the pilot applied brakes, at which time the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to straighten the airplane with the application of right brake and right rudder. This had no effect. The airplane departed the runway environment to the left and impacted a ditch. The right wing and propeller were bent and the nose gear collapsed. An examination of the airplane's braking system revealed no mechanical deficiencies.