Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s loss of directional control while landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an airport sign.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that upon landing, the airplane began “veering toward the left side of the runway.” He attempted to correct with right rudder but was unsuccessful and subsequently attempted to abort the landing. During the maneuver the right main landing gear impacted a runway sign and the airplane touched back down in the grass next to the runway coming to a stop. During the accident sequence, the right horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. The owner reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.