The airplane experienced a collapse of the right main landing gear at about 1548 Eastern time while landing. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the solo student pilot was not injured. Earlier, a flight instructor signed him off for solo flight, and exited the airplane. On the ensuing landing, the flight instructor reported the final approach appeared normal. He did not perceive any excess airspeed but did report the pitch attitude appeared stable. Within seconds of a “nice touchdown,” he heard skidding and saw the airplane veer off the north side of the runway. Preliminary examination revealed a spanwise crack in the upper wing skin of the right wing. The right main landing gear remained attached only by brake lines.
