Accident Details
According to the pilot's report, the incident occurred during landing. Prior to initiating the landing flare, the solo student pilot observed a white bird approaching the airplane. In an attempt to avoid the bird, he applied left rudder input. This resulted in the airplane deviating left of the runway centerline.
Subsequently, the pilot pulled back on the yoke. As a result, the left main landing gear impacted a taxiway sign. Following the impact, the airplane settled on the adjacent grass area.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing spar. The pilot reported that no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions were present that would have precluded normal operation.