Accident Details
A student pilot flying a Piper PA-28-180 experienced a loss of directional control during the landing rollout at his home airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage after departing the runway and impacting a sign.
Sequence of Events
Earlier in the flight, the student pilot had executed several touch-and-go landings. Upon returning to his home airport, he completed a normal traffic pattern, approach, and touchdown with a light crosswind. During the rollout, the crosswind increased from the right, causing the airplane to drift left. In response, the pilot applied right rudder input. However, according to the pilot, he "over-reacted by applying too much right rudder input." This caused the airplane to veer sharply to the right, depart the runway, and collide with a sign.
Aircraft and Pilot
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-180. No mechanical abnormalities were reported that could have contributed to the accident. The pilot was a student pilot on a solo flight.
Damage
The impact with the sign resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. The extent of the damage was not further specified in the report.
Probable Cause
The student pilot over-reacted by applying too much right rudder input.