Incident Overview
On April 30, 2019, at approximately 1925 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N (registration N733UF) was substantially damaged during a landing at Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern, North Carolina. The student pilot, who was on a local solo instructional flight, reported minor injuries.
Flight and Weather Conditions
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed EWN around 1920. The recorded weather at EWN at 1925 included wind from 190° at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.
Pilot Statement
According to the student pilot, this was his first solo flight. After touchdown on runway 22, the airplane veered left. He attempted to correct by applying right rudder and left aileron, but the aircraft continued into the grass off the left side of the runway and struck a ditch before coming to rest upright. The pilot noted that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Aircraft Damage
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the right horizontal stabilizer, engine mount, and firewall, resulting in substantial damage.
Operational Details
The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight was a local solo instructional flight.