What happened
On November 20, 2015, a student pilot was performing his first solo flight in a Cessna 172, registration N1180U. Having successfully completed eight takeoffs and landings, the pilot attempted a ninth landing. During this approach, the aircraft's airspeed was higher than normal, causing the airplane to porpoise. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied excessive right rudder, causing the aircraft to veer right and exit the runway. The airplane entered soft, wet ground and nosed into the mud before coming to an upright rest. There were no injuries resulting from the event.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the left wing sustained substantial damage after impacting the ground. The operator reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions within the airframe prior to the impact that would have prevented normal operation.