Incident Details
A student pilot intended to conduct a solo cross-country flight but returned to the departure airport shortly after takeoff due to poor visibility. After re-entering the traffic pattern for runway 14, the pilot prepared for landing. According to the pilot's report, the airplane touched down on the centerline but immediately veered to the left and struck a runway sign. The airplane then slid approximately 100 feet before coming to rest in the grass.
Pilot Account
The student pilot noted that the wind "may have been a factor" in the accident. He also stated that he had received a weather briefing prior to the flight but could not recall its contents. The recorded wind at the airport at the time of the incident was from 050 degrees at 15 knots.
Aircraft Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no mechanical malfunctions.
Conclusion
The accident sequence involved a loss of directional control after touchdown, leading to collision with a runway sign. The pilot's comment about wind suggests crosswind conditions may have played a role, but no definitive cause was assigned.