Introduction
A student pilot on a cross-country flight reported a loss of directional control during landing at an airport in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The incident involved the aircraft yawing left during the flare and subsequently veering off the runway after touchdown.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's report, while flaring for landing, the aircraft experienced a left yaw. Following main wheel contact with the runway, the airplane deviated from the centerline and exited the left side of the runway. The aircraft was heading toward a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) installation. The pilot steered further left to avoid the VASI, then immediately turned right to avoid a chain link fence that was installed parallel to the runway. However, the left wing tip contacted the fence, causing the aircraft to swerve back to the left.
Conclusion
The pilot's evasive maneuvers to avoid the VASI and the fence resulted in the left wing tip striking the fence. The contact caused the aircraft to veer further left. The student pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.