Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare, which resulted in a runway excursion, and impact with a sign.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that during the landing flare of his second solo, after the main landing gear touched down the "nose of the airplane swung" to the right. He further reported that he attempted to correct with left rudder, and that this is where "he lost control of the airplane". The airplane veered off the runway to the left, impacted an airport sign, and came to a stop at an intersecting taxi way.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The student pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA360 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Nearest airport
- North Perry (HWO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N65645
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1982
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.