Accident Details
A student pilot was conducting a landing roll on runway 31 in a Cessna 172P. Upon depressing the brakes, the pilot felt the left brake "sinking." He then applied both brakes again, causing the airplane to veer to the right and depart the runway into the grass. As it exited the right side of the runway, the aircraft struck a runway light and a taxiway sign.
Pilot Information
The student pilot reported a total flight experience of 41 hours, with 7 hours as pilot-in-command. He noted no mechanical anomalies with the airplane during the flight.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. Inspection of the brake system found no preimpact anomalies.
Weather Conditions
The winds reported at the airport approximately 40 minutes prior to the accident were from 300 degrees at 5 knots.