NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot stated he was on a solo cross-country flight. He entered the traffic pattern at his intermediate stop and completed all before landing checks. He turned on final approach for landing and flared too late, resulting in a hard landing, loss of directional control, runway excursion, and collision with an embankment during an attempted go-around. The airplane sustained structural damage to the firewall, right wing, and right horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent loss of directional control.