On August 30, 2003, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2318L) was involved in an aviation accident near Joshua Tree, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
On his first solo flight, a student pilot completed a successful takeoff and landing. During a second takeoff, the airplane drifted off centerline after rotation, struck a berm, stalled, and came to rest inverted.
Flight Sequence
The student pilot was on his first solo flight, having flown with his instructor for 3 hours before attempting solo pattern work. A full takeoff and landing sequence was completed successfully.
Second Takeoff
During the second takeoff, after reaching rotation speed, the student pilot looked up and observed that the airplane had drifted off the runway centerline. The airplane continued off the runway and encountered a berm, which launched it airborne. The airplane stalled about 10 feet above ground level. The nose collided with the ground, the engine detached, and the airplane came to rest inverted.