Student pilot reported a runway excursion into the grass after landing on a solo flight at a tower controlled airport.

Date: 2023-07 · Aircraft: Small Aircraft · Phase: landing

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-critical|ground-event-encounter-ground-strike-aircraft|ground-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|ground-excursion-runway

Synopsis

Student pilot reported a runway excursion into the grass after landing on a solo flight at a tower controlled airport.

Narrative

After practicing 6 takeoff/landings on Date 1; my instructor and I discussed a solo in the pattern the following day if the conditions were appropriate. On the morning of Date 2; I checked the weather at home and reviewed traffic pattern procedures. My instructor and I reviewed the METAR and conducted an analysis on aircraft performance. We reviewed all appropriate documents; discussed pattern operations; radio communications; and go-around procedures. After a pre-flight review of the aircraft; I taxied the aircraft for a runup and followed Ground/Tower instructions for the appropriate runway entrance. The first lap in the pattern consisted of a normal takeoff; left traffic pattern; and smooth descent and landing. After exiting the runway and contacting Ground Control; I taxied back to the runway and received clearance for the next lap in the pattern. The takeoff was smooth and I extended downwind as instructed by Tower. After receiving clearance to land; I descended through base and final at targeted airspeeds and flaps. Upon short final; airspeeds were appropriate; I was at centerline; and at an appropriate height. Just prior to my wheels touching the ground with power at idle; I heard a thud on the right side of the plane. Before I could react to the noise; my wheels were on the ground and I was not able to regain control of the aircraft. The aircraft drove into the grass on the left of the runway and I used the aircraft's brakes to stop the movement. Tower sent assistance and I worked with ATC to taxi the aircraft back to the hanger. When doing a walk around after the flight; there was damage to the aircraft's left wing.Going forward; I will work with my instructor to review go-around situations and practice final descent procedures.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.