Accident Overview
On September 10, 1985, a student pilot took off on his first solo flight in an aircraft he had recently purchased. The flight originated from Winnemucca Airport. During the takeoff, which was conducted with a quartering tail wind, the pilot reported that the engine seemed to be losing power, although its sound remained steady. After reaching approximately 50 feet above ground level in a nose-high attitude, the aircraft settled and fell off on its right wing, then collided with the ground.
Pre-Accident Instruction
Five days prior, on September 5, 1985, an instructor pilot who had delivered the aircraft to Winnemucca Airport provided the student with a total of 0.4 hours of dual instruction, which included two landings. The instructor then endorsed the student's logbook for solo flight in this aircraft, but did not endorse the student's pilot certificate.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination revealed no preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine. The density altitude on the day of the accident was calculated to be 4,300 feet.