Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that during a solo flight, shortly after touchdown, he applied brakes and it felt like the airplane started to skid. He attempted to correct, but the airplane veered to the left and hit a taxiway sign, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.