Accident Overview
A student pilot, flying a solo cross-country flight as part of his training, experienced a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. The instructor had previously briefed the student on crosswind component limitations and other operational considerations. The takeoff was aborted, but the airplane veered off the runway and collided with a distance marker.
Flight Details
According to the student pilot, he taxied onto the runway and aligned the airplane with the centerline. Noting the wind direction, he deflected the ailerons appropriately. During the takeoff roll, at approximately 36 knots indicated airspeed, the left wing suddenly lifted off the ground, causing the airplane to tilt left. The pilot responded by reducing engine power to idle to abort the takeoff. Despite this action, the airplane continued rolling left toward the grassy area adjacent to the runway. The right wing then struck a distance marker situated alongside the runway.
Student Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane or its systems occurred prior to the accident. He reported that the event was entirely due to the unexpected aerodynamic reaction during the takeoff.
FAA Investigation
The FAA inspector who responded to the scene determined that the student pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently veered off the left side of the runway and impacted a distance marker approximately 2,000 feet from the runway threshold. The inspector's findings attribute the accident to the loss of control.