NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot reported that he was conducting a solo instructional flight in the airport traffic pattern at the time of the accident. He stated that it was a "soft landing on [the] main wheels." However, once the nose landing gear touched down the airplane "darted" to the left. His attempts to maintain control were unsuccessful and the airplane departed the runway pavement. A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies related to the nose wheel steering or main wheel brakes. The recorded wind was calm about the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's loss of directional control during landing.