NTSB Factual Report

According to the student pilot, the wind condition was calm and shortly after touchdown, the airplane veered to the left. He applied power and began a go-around procedure, which was subsequently aborted, as the airplane continued to veer to the left. The airplane departed the left side of the runway into a grassy area and encountered a ditch that ran parallel to the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall. Post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation. According to the automated weather observation system located at the airport, around the time of the accident, the wind was consistently a left direct crosswind between 7 and 8 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.