Student Pilot's Solo Flight Ends with Nose Gear Collapse After Aborted Takeoff (N2500T)

Incident Summary

A student pilot on his third solo flight, his first unsupervised, was conducting a short field takeoff at the request of his instructor. After applying power, the student aborted the takeoff, and the airplane began to veer to the left side of the runway. The aircraft struck a runway light and moved into the unpaved area adjacent to the airstrip. To decelerate, the student pulled back on the controls, causing the airplane to float before settling again. The airplane continued through the unpaved area and impacted the taxiway surface, where the nose gear collapsed.

Background

The student's logbooks indicate that he received instruction in short field takeoff procedures on April 8 and 10, 2000. The instructor had requested short field takeoffs prior to the flight.

Sequence of Events

• The student pilot initiated a short field takeoff.
• The takeoff was aborted shortly after power application.
• The airplane veered left, departing the runway.
• A runway light was struck.
• The airplane entered the unpaved area adjacent to the airstrip.
• The student pulled back on the controls to slow the airplane.
• The airplane floated, then settled and continued through the unpaved area.
• The airplane impacted the taxiway, resulting in the nose gear collapsing.