NTSB Factual Report

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it exited the runway and impacted a ditch. The student pilot stated, "Intended purpose of the flight was for solo pattern and landing practice. ... Base leg, final and landing were normal. Once on the ground, after touch down, the aircraft began to swerve to the right. I attempted to correct with left rudder but the aircraft did not respond in time and I found myself going off the runway and through the ditch." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaining directional control of the airplane during the landing. A factor was the ditch.