NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot performed several "touch-and-go" landings before returning to his home airport in the Piper PA-28-180. The pilot then completed a normal traffic pattern, approach, and touchdown with a light crosswind on runway 11. During the rollout, the crosswind increased from the right, and the airplane began to drift left. The pilot then "over-reacted by applying too much right rudder input." The airplane veered to the right, departed the runway and impacted a sign, resulting in substantial damage. No mechanical abnormalities associated with the airplane were reported. About 20 minutes before the accident the winds were reported from 150 degrees at 9 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. Contributing was the crosswind weather condition.