What happened
The incident involved a student pilot executing his fifth solo flight. During the final phase of the operation, the pilot initiated a low-speed approach to the runway. As the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot flared at an excessive altitude. To prevent a hard landing, the pilot applied full engine power.
Upon touchdown, the airplane ballooned upward due to the combination of high flare and added thrust. The aircraft did not respond as anticipated during this phase. In response, the student pilot attempted to retract the flaps while airborne or just after contact. This action caused the airplane to sink rapidly and drift to the left side of the runway.
The aircraft eventually impacted the ground approximately 100 feet to the left of the runway centerline. The sequence of events highlights the difficulty of managing energy and configuration during a balked landing scenario for an inexperienced pilot.