Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot’s failure to maintain runway alignment during takeoff, which resulted in an aborted takeoff and runway excursion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during takeoff, the solo-student pilot realized he had a crosswind from the right and applied right aileron and right rudder. He added, that as the student rotated, the airplane drifted to the left, the student lost control, pulled the engine power to idle, and aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, during touchdown, the airplane veered hard to the left, exited the runway, and the nose landing gear collapsed.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage.
The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The student pilot was departing on runway 1.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA253