Incident Overview
A student pilot experienced a rejected takeoff after the aircraft's airspeed dropped to zero shortly after liftoff at Hurricane, Utah. During the aborted takeoff, the aircraft exited the runway, struck a fence, and nosed over.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot had departed St. George, Utah, for Hurricane, located 21 nautical miles to the northeast. On departure from St. George, the wind was from the south at approximately 5 knots. The pilot landed to the north at Hurricane and did not notice any wind when preparing to depart to the south on Runway 18.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft reached 52 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) and lifted off. However, the airspeed then immediately dropped to zero, according to the pilot. The pilot aborted the takeoff. The aircraft ran off the right side of Runway 18, collided with a fence, and nosed over.
Wind Conditions
A witness who arrived first on the scene reported that the wind was steady from the north at about 20 knots at the time of the accident.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft sustained damage from the fence collision and the nose-over incident.