The student pilot stated he was established on final approach and “everything was on track.” When the airplane crossed the threshold, he reduced engine power and began the landing flare. After touchdown, the student pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in a skid he was unable to control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement and came to rest in a ditch. The left main landing gear collapsed. The student pilot was performing his first landing on his initial solo flight at the time of the accident. He noted that the skies were clear and the winds were calm. The pilot reported that he had accumulated 13 hours total flight time, with nine hours in the same make and model airplane. A post-accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure or malfunction.
October 1, 2008, Crookston, Minn. Piper PA-28-161
The student pilot stated he was established on final approach and "everything was on track." When the airplane crossed the threshold, he reduced engine power and began the landing flare. After touchdown, the student pilot applied the brakes, which resulted in a skid he was unable to control. The airplane subsequently departed the runway pavement and came to rest in a ditch. The left main landing gear collapsed.
Key Takeaways:
- A student pilot crashed an airplane during his initial solo flight's first landing attempt.
- The accident occurred when the pilot applied brakes after touchdown, causing an uncontrollable skid that led the aircraft to depart the runway and come to rest in a ditch with a collapsed landing gear.
- The pilot had accumulated 13 hours of total flight time, and a post-accident inspection revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies.
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