Accident Sequence
The student pilot was endorsed for repeated solo flights and was performing a touch-and-go landing on runway 17. During the final approach, the pilot maintained an airspeed of 70 to 75 knots with full flaps and followed the visual approach slope indicator. After touching down about midfield with all three wheels on the runway, the pilot retracted the flaps, pushed the carburetor heat to 'COLD,' and reached for the throttle to apply power for departure. At that point, the pilot reported that 'the airplane brakes were binding, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, continued through the grass, and stopped after the left wing struck a tree.'
Investigation
An FAA inspector examined the accident site and found that the student pilot was using a personal fold-up seat/cushion approximately 5 inches thick. During the investigation, the inspector had the student pilot sit in the airplane and observed that the 'extra height caused his knees to contact the lower part of the instrument panel and hindered his ankle movement for proper rudder and brake action.' The inspector did not find any evidence of brake problems during the examination.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The student pilot was authorized for solo flight. The aircraft involved in the incident was a single-engine airplane (type and registration not specified in the source). The incident occurred during daylight hours; no other details about time of day, weather, or injuries were provided.
Outcome
The aircraft came to rest after the left wing struck a tree off the left side of the runway. No further information on damage or injuries is included in the source.