Accident Summary
A solo student pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings to a full stop on runway 28 in a Cessna 172M. According to the pilot, the automated weather station reported winds from 290 degrees at 3 to 4 knots. After three uneventful takeoffs and landings, the pilot taxied back for a fourth departure. Pre-takeoff checks were normal, and the pilot added power for a zero-flap takeoff. As the airplane accelerated to approximately 45 to 50 knots, it "pulled hard to the left." The pilot aborted the takeoff by retarding the power. The airplane departed the left side of the paved runway surface, skidded through the grass, and descended an embankment, where it rolled over and came to rest inverted. The pilot shut down the airplane and exited unassisted. There was no fire.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported having approximately 26 total hours of flight experience, with about 20 hours in the accident airplane. He stated that he thought there might be a mechanical problem, such as a "detached rudder cable."
Post-Accident Examination
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not examine the airplane for flight control continuity during the on-scene examination. The certificated flight instructor and owner, who also served as the airplane's mechanic, stated that he did not find any mechanical problems with the airplane after the accident.