5 Feb 2011: PIPER PA-28-181

5 Feb 2011: PIPER PA-28-181 — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Minden, NV, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The student pilot was performing her first solo landing. During the landing roll, the airplane began to swerve from side-to-side. The pilot attempted to apply corrective control inputs, but the airplane departed the runway and collided with a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and belly structure during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Directional control — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Student pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 220/04kt, vis 10sm

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