Incident Details
The aircraft was returning from a long solo cross-country flight. At the time, the runway was undergoing construction, with 2,300 feet remaining for landing. Barriers were present, requiring the landing to be accomplished over them.
During the approach, the student pilot had set approach flaps. However, air traffic control requested a high approach, prompting the pilot to select full flaps. Subsequently, a high rate of sink developed, leading to a hard bounced landing.
Following the bounce, the aircraft veered to the right of the runway and continued until it struck a river that paralleled the runway.
Pilot Account
The pilot stated that there was no effective left rudder or left brake available during the landing rollout.
Inspection Results
FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the braking system and the aircraft but could find no reason for the loss of left rudder control or left braking.