Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the touchdown and landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that, while on final approach, the airplane was too high; therefore, he conducted a slip maneuver to lose altitude. As the airplane touched down on the runway, it veered to the right. Despite pilot rudder control inputs, the airplane exited the runway and impacted a fence and the wind indicator, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while on final approach, the airplane was too high; therefore, he conducted a slip maneuver to lose altitude. As the airplane touched down on the runway, it veered to the right. Despite pilot control inputs, the airplane exited the runway and impacted a fence and the wind indicator, substantially damaging the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.