Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper landing flare and inadequate directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a solo flight, the student pilot was practicing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the third landing, the pilot did not pitch the nose up sufficiently, and the airplane touched down and began to porpoise and wheelbarrow on the nose wheel. He attempted to steer the airplane back toward the centerline of the runway but was unsuccessful, and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. As the airplane left the pavement, it hit a snow berm and nosed over onto its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot was practicing normal touch-and-go landings. On the third landing, the pilot did not pitch the nose up sufficiently and the airplane began to porpoise and wheelbarrow on the nose wheel. The student pilot attempted to steer the airplane back towards the centerline of the runway, but was unsuccessful and the airplane departed the left side of the runway. As the airplane left the pavement, it hit a snow berm and it nosed over onto its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.