N6023VCessna 172S · 2006

The pilot reported that he landed right of the runway centerline and the airplane continued to drift right. He added "right rudder" and the airplane continued to the right. He "over-corrected and over-corrected back", the airplane exited the runway to the right, and impacted a runway sign. He taxied to parking without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right elevator.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 7 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 150° at 6 knots. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 03.

The solo student pilot reported that the airplane bounced after touched down, then veered off the runway to the left and came to a stop in gravel.

A postaccident exam revealed substantial damage to the firewall.

According to the student pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.