Incident Overview
A student pilot on his second supervised solo flight experienced a loss of directional control during a touch-and-go landing, resulting in the airplane departing the runway and entering water. The incident occurred after an otherwise uneventful landing in the traffic pattern.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot reported that after landing, he elected to perform a touch-and-go and added power. Immediately, the airplane turned left. He applied rudder to correct the turn but then decided to abort the touch-and-go and perform a full-stop landing. He applied brakes to keep the airplane on the runway and reduced power. In his nervous state, he inadvertently added a small amount of power before reducing it again. The airplane departed the runway while traveling at about 30 knots and entered water.
The student's certified flight instructor (CFI) observed the airplane veer left after the touch-and-go application. The airplane exited the runway onto grass, crossed runway 25, and entered a ditch. The CFI heard power applied at that point and watched the airplane continue into the water. He then ran to assist his student.
Post-Inspection Findings
A postaccident inspection of the flight controls by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction. The student pilot also stated there was no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction.
Conclusion
The incident was characterized by the student pilot's loss of directional control during a touch-and-go maneuver, followed by an unsuccessful attempt to recover with a full-stop landing. The airplane's excursion into water occurred with no contributing mechanical issues identified.