Student Pilot Loses Control After Landing, Runway Excursion

Accident Details

The student pilot was conducting a solo instructional flight in the airport traffic pattern. He reported performing a "soft landing on [the] main wheels." After the nose landing gear touched down, the airplane "darted" to the left. Despite attempts to maintain control, the pilot was unsuccessful, and the airplane departed the runway pavement.

Investigation

A postaccident examination was conducted focusing on the nose wheel steering and main wheel brakes. The examination did not reveal any anomalies related to either system. The recorded wind at the time of the accident was calm.

No other issues were identified during the examination of the aircraft or from the pilot's report. The sequence of events is based solely on the student pilot's account and the subsequent inspection results.