Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilots failure to maintain directional control after landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated that he was conducting his second solo flight, performing full stop landings and taxiing back. After his third landing, he applied both brakes to slow the airplane. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The student pilot later stated that the brakes did not work properly. Postaccident examination of the brake system by an airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic with oversight from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the brake system to be fully functional. All components of the brake system were within operational limits, and there was no evidence of any malfunction or failure prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot stated that he was conducting his second solo flight, performing full stop landings and taxiing back. After his third landing, he applied both brakes to slow the airplane. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The student pilot later stated that the brakes did not work properly. Postaccident examination of the brake system by an airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic with oversight from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found the brake system to be fully functional. All components of the brake system were within operational limits, and there was no evidence of any malfunction or failure prior to the accident.