Cessna 172R N430EP accident near Groton, Connecticut

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with an airport sign.

NTSB analysis

The student pilot reported that he was flying a visual approach at the conclusion of a solo cross-country flight. Following a reportedly normal approach and landing, when the nose landing gear contacted the runway, the airplane began to veer to the left and “tilted somewhat.” The airplane then quickly veered further left and departed the runway surface. The airplane collided with a runway distance sign and came to a stop in the grass.

According to an inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airplane’s horizontal stabilizer and elevator were substantially damaged. He performed an examination of the flight controls, wheels, and wheel brakes; no evidence of a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure was found. There was a tire skid mark on the runway, leading from the runway centerline to the wreckage.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA249 for the full record.