GAA18CA516

Factual narrative

The student pilot reported that during the landing roll, he inadvertently applied the left toe brake while attempting to apply left rudder. The airplane veered to the left and he attempted to regain directional control, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with runway lighting before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot reported that, during the landing roll, he inadvertently applied the left toe brake while attempting to apply left rudder. The airplane veered left, and he attempted to regain directional control, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with runway lighting before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The student reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Landing gear system-Brake-Unintentional use/operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Student/instructed pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Runway/taxi/approach light-Effect on equipment - C