Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare and loss of directional control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that, during landing, he “rounded out a little too late” and the airplane bounced after touchdown. The airplane settled back to the runway, left of the centerline, and veered to the left. The student attempted to correct with right rudder, and full engine power to abort the landing, however, the airplane continued to the left side of the runway and collided with a snowbank. The airplane nosed over coming to rest inverted. The right wing, vertical stabilizer, and rudder sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.