What happened
The flight was conducting a final approach when the aircraft encountered significant weather conditions, specifically heavy rain associated with a thunderstorm. Upon reaching the runway threshold, the airplane touched down outside the designated landing area, positioned to the left of the sod runway's centerline.
Following touchdown, the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) attempted to correct the aircraft's position to re-establish alignment with the runway centerline. The correction applied was improper for the conditions and phase of flight. As a result of this maneuver, the aircraft departed the surface of the runway. It subsequently collided with the lip or edge of an intersecting runway before coming to a rest in a nearby ditch.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the aircraft had left the paved or sod surface during the landing roll. The collision with the intersecting runway's edge suggests a significant deviation from the intended path immediately after touchdown. The presence of heavy rain and thunderstorm activity was noted as a contributing environmental factor during the final approach phase.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the loss of directional control was the improper correction made by the CFI while attempting to realign with the runway centerline. This action, combined with the reduced visibility and traction likely caused by the heavy rain, resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway environment. The collision with the intersecting runway edge and subsequent stop in the ditch were direct consequences of this departure from the active surface.