Student Pilot Loses Directional Control During Takeoff Roll (N73357)

Incident Overview

A student pilot was performing a takeoff roll on runway 17. At a distance of approximately 800 to 900 feet from the start of the roll, the pilot focused attention on the airspeed indicator, resulting in loss of directional awareness. After traveling an additional estimated 300 feet, the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The pilot reported that they neglected to reduce engine power and attempted to steer the airplane back onto the runway. The airplane continued its path to the southeast and ultimately came to rest in a drainage ditch.

Pilot Actions

According to the student pilot, the distraction of looking at the airspeed indicator caused a loss of directional control. After the airplane veered off the runway, the pilot failed to reduce engine power and tried to turn the airplane back onto the runway surface. The airplane continued moving southeast until it was stopped by the drainage ditch.