Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot in the weight-shift-control aircraft reported that, during the landing, the aircraft encountered a gust of wind and veered left. The pilot applied full left brake during an attempted go-around, however the aircraft exited the runway and collided with a ditch. The left wing struck the ground and sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation.