Incident Overview
A Piper PA-38 training aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during a takeoff roll. Both a student pilot and an instructor were at the controls at the time. The aircraft departed the runway and collided with a ditch before the instructor could intervene. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but both occupants were uninjured.
Wind and Flying Conditions
The wind was reported as a 90-degree crosswind at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. These conditions were present during the takeoff attempt.
Instructor's Observation
The instructor stated that the student pilot was attempting to steer the aircraft like a car and may have inadvertently applied the opposite brake instead of using rudder input. This action likely contributed to the loss of directional control.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, directional control was lost. The aircraft veered off the runway and struck a ditch before the instructor could take positive corrective action. The extent of damage was substantial, but no injuries were reported among the two pilots.
Contributing Factors
According to the instructor, the student's steering technique and potential brake application error, combined with the gusty crosswind, led to the loss of control. No other factors were identified in the report.