Accident Details
A student pilot, on his first solo flight, was conducting a touch-and-go landing. According to the student, after adding power and rolling down the runway, the airplane began drifting toward the left edge. He applied right rudder to correct the heading, but the airplane did not respond to the input. He then reduced engine power, but the airplane skidded off the runway onto adjacent grass, traveling approximately 45 feet before coming to a stop.
Instructor's Observation
The student's flight instructor reported observing the first touch-and-go, which was performed well and without incident. On the second landing, shortly after touchdown, the aircraft rolled on the runway for a few seconds before turning into the grass. Subsequently, the nose gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Inspection
A mechanic conducted a visual inspection of the airplane and the rudder system following the accident. The mechanic stated that no obstructions were found in the rudder system that could have contributed to the loss of control.