Flight Details
The student pilot departed Smyrna, Tennessee, and flew direct to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Upon arrival, the pilot listened to the Airport Terminal Information System and observed the wind sock, which indicated a right crosswind.
Approach and Landing
The student pilot overflew the airport at midfield, descended, and entered left traffic for runway 18. The before-landing checklist was completed, flaps were lowered to the first notch, and the turn onto the base leg was made. The pilot then turned the airplane onto final approach, reduced airspeed, lowered flaps to the second notch, and applied right aileron for crosswind correction. Power was reduced 30 feet from the intended touchdown point.
Loss of Control
The airplane touched down on the runway. During the landing roll-out, the crosswind correction was removed. The airplane veered to the right, and the student pilot applied left rudder. Directional control was lost, and the airplane turned 90 degrees. It slid sideways off the side of the runway and collided with a ditch, coming to a complete stop.
Post-Accident Statement
The student pilot stated that no mechanical problems were experienced with the airplane before the accident, and that the loss of directional control occurred during the landing roll-out.