NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot in the tricycle gear-equipped airplane reported that he was flying a solo cross-country flight and landed on the 60-foot wide asphalt runway. He recalled that there were 4-foot high snow berm that paralleled the edges of the runway. When he touched down, he applied the brakes and the airplane yawed to the left. In fear of striking the snow berm, he initiated a go around and rotated about 65 kts. The airplane climbed about two feet above the runway but the left main landing gear wheel struck the snow berm on the left side of the runway. The left tire and brake assembly separated from the airplane, and the airplane came to rest in the snow-covered safety area left of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing ribs and aileron.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control and to maintain clearance from a snow berm during the aborted landing.