Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's inadequate flare and failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that as he crossed the runway threshold, the airplane floated, touched down, and bounced a couple of times. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, impacted a small ditch and came to rest inverted. The airplane's vertical stabilizer and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The solo student pilot reported that as he crossed the runway threshold, the airplane floated, touched down, and bounced a couple of times. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, impacted a small ditch and came to rest inverted. The airplane's vertical stabilizer and right wing were substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.