Accident Description
A student pilot conducting his second supervised solo flight experienced an abnormal takeoff roll. The airplane veered left, departed the runway surface, and subsequently collided with a ditch. The student pilot reported that the nose wheel began shimmying during the takeoff roll and that he was unable to stop the airplane's drift.
Operator Reports
The flight instructor, who was observing the takeoff, stated that the student pilot delayed reducing the engine power when the airplane began drifting off the runway. The aircraft owner reported that the nose wheel had been inspected by a mechanic on the same day prior to the flight.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the nose gear assembly did not reveal any deficiencies that would have affected its operation prior to the accident.