Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The solo student pilot reported that during a landing attempt he experienced a right crosswind and used rudder and aileron control inputs to remain on the runway centerline. During the roundout the airplane bounced and began to veer left of the runway centerline. He applied brakes and attempted to return the airplane to the center of the runway, but the airplane departed the left runway edge and impacted a taxiway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.