Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The student pilot reported that, during the preflight inspection for his second solo flight, "the rudder pedals felt as if they had less resistance than normal." While conducting the second taking off, the airplane veered left, he applied right rudder but was unable to regain directional control. The airplane exited the runway to the left, on to the adjacent grass and nosed over.The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the left wing lift strut, and the vertical stabilizer.
A Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the airplane after the accident confirmed flight control continuity and reported no anomalies with the flight controls or brakes.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA20CA093