Cessna 182 student pilot reported an improper use of rudder for landing resulted in a runway excursion. There was no damage to the aircraft or injuries.

Date: 2024-06 · Aircraft: Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG · Phase: landing

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-less-severe|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|ground-excursion-runway|inflight-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control

Synopsis

Cessna 182 student pilot reported an improper use of rudder for landing resulted in a runway excursion. There was no damage to the aircraft or injuries.

Narrative

Weather was calm; this was my first solo attempt. I completed two successful landings. On my third lap in the pattern solo there was significant traffic; I shortened by base to final to meet the ask of ATC; ended up not being as coordinated on final so went around. Once I was on my downwind again for runway XX I did feel some internal pressure to successfully land my third and final planned landing. One final I was pretty well coordinated prior to getting over the runway; once over the runway my rudder technique got me left of centerline. In looking back I should have done another go around. I got into ground effect and did my round out; After my rear tires made contact and I lowered my nose I could see I was about halfway between the centerline and left edge of the runway. My nose was pointed at about 10/11 o'clock and I didn't think I'd have enough time to put on my rudder to get centered without flipping the plane so I kept my rudders neutral; aileron in the full rear position and flaps continues full down. I rolled into the grass off the runway. No damage to the plane; myself; anyone else or any other objects. After being towed back onto the taxiway; another inspection of the plane found no noticeable damage and eventually taxied the plane back to our hangar. In reviewing back on the event; I think external pressure to complete the final planned landing of the day; and better use of the go around would have helped in this situation.

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