Accident Overview
On March 11, 2008, at approximately 1530 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172M (registration N80318) veered off the side of runway 01 and nosed over at Richfield Municipal Airport in Richfield, Utah. The aircraft was operated by Fly Aviation as a solo instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, on her first solo flight, was performing her first landing when the incident occurred.
Flight Details
The student pilot reported that before the solo flight, she had flown three traffic patterns with her certified flight instructor (CFI), during which she made three successful takeoffs and landings. The CFI then exited the aircraft, and the student commenced her first solo flight. The flight originated from Richfield at 1520. The CFI, who had monitored the student's flying from the ground, stated that the approach and landing appeared normal. At the time of the accident, wind was reported from 030 degrees at 3 knots.
Pilot Reports
The student pilot told investigators that during the landing approach, she incrementally extended the wing flaps, and on final approach the flaps were set to at least 20 degrees. After touchdown, she may have briefly looked downward. She had not increased engine power in preparation for a planned touch-and-go when the airplane began to veer off the runway. She attempted to redirect the aircraft toward the runway, but lost directional control while initially manipulating the ailerons and then using the rudder. The student also stated that she applied brakes in an effort to decelerate, but did not pull the yoke aft. She reported no mechanical malfunction with the airplane before or during the accident.
Aircraft Damage
According to the Federal Aviation Administration coordinator who responded to the scene, the aircraft's vertical stabilizer, left wing, and lift strut were bent. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot received minor injuries.