November 2, 2011, Frederick, Md., Cessna 172R Skyhawk

The student pilot experienced a loss of control during landing at about 1715 Eastern time. Visual conditions prevailed and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The solo student pilot was not injured. During landing practice at a different airport, the student noticed a “slight shudder...during the landing roll.” Upon touching down at the accident airport, he felt a shudder in the wheels and a pull to the left.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A solo student pilot experienced a loss of control during landing, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane but no injuries to the pilot.
The pilot reported feeling a shudder in the wheels and a pull to the left immediately upon touching down at the accident airport.
This incident followed a previous landing where the pilot had also noticed a "slight shudder" during the landing roll at a different airport.
Despite attempts to maintain alignment, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway and came to rest with its nose pitched into the ground.

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During landing practice at a different airport, the student noticed a “slight shudder…during the landing roll.” Upon touching down at the accident airport, he felt a shudder in the wheels and a pull to the left. He attempted to keep the airplane aligned with the runway but the airplane departed the left side of the runway, coming to rest with its nose pitched into the ground.