What happened
During a re-familiarization flight intended to help the pilot gain better familiarity with the airport environment, the crew entered the traffic pattern and prepared for a touch-and-go landing on runway 17. The landing itself was completed without incident, after which the pilot reduced the aircraft speed to approximately 10 to 15 knots.
As the pilot applied power for takeoff, the aircraft swerved to the left, causing the left main landing gear to depart the left side of the runway. In an attempt to recover using rudder and aileron inputs, the aircraft veered toward the right side of the runway. During this excursion, the instructor attempted to take control, but the aircraft subsequently ground-looped to the right and struck a ditch located between the runway and the taxiway.
Findings
- The pilot was performing a re-familiarization flight.
- The aircraft departed the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll following a touch-and-go landing.