This November 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Location: Atwater, Calif. Injuries: 1 Minor. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The flight was the student pilot’s first supervised solo. The take off and first landing were successful. On the second landing the touch down was normal, but as the airplane rolled out it began to veer to the left. Attempts to regain directional control of the airplane were unsuccessful. The airplane went off the runway, hitting a runway sign and a drainage ditch. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane came to a stop.
Probable cause: The failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
For more information: NTSB.gov
