Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a sign.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, during the takeoff of a stop and go landing, he applied full power and the airplane drifted left. He corrected with right rudder, but the airplane continued left. He reduced power to idle to abort the takeoff, but the airplane "continued out of control to the left." He applied brakes and opposite rudder, but the airplane exited the runway to the left, struck an airport sign, the left main landing gear separated, and the airplane came to rest about 200 ft past the sign.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.
The student 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 310° at 6 knots. The student landed the airplane on runway 35.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA119