What happened
The incident occurred during a supervised solo flight where the student pilot was practicing touch-and-go maneuvers. After completing a landing on Runway 26, which measured 4,300 feet in length and 100 feet in width with a concrete surface, the pilot applied power for the takeoff roll. During this phase, the aircraft drifted to the left of the runway centerline.
The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder input; however, this control input failed to stop the leftward turn. The aircraft subsequently struck a snow bank located on the side of the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to ground loop to the left before coming to rest off the left side of the runway.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff roll following the landing. Examination of the flight dynamics indicated that the pilot was unable to maintain directional control after adding power. The failure of the right rudder input to correct the left turn suggests a loss of traction or aerodynamic efficiency, likely exacerbated by the snowy conditions on the runway surface.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident included the pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the presence of snow on the runway. The ground loop resulted from the aircraft contacting a snow bank after drifting off the centerline. not injured
Safety message
Pilots practicing touch-and-go landings in winter conditions must be aware that snow and ice can significantly reduce directional control effectiveness. Immediate and appropriate rudder input is critical to maintain runway alignment during the power application phase of a takeoff.