Student Pilot Reports Loss of Control During First Solo Cross-Country Takeoff

Pilot Report

According to the student pilot, he was conducting his first solo cross-country flight. He performed a preflight inspection of the airplane with no problems noted. He then taxied to the active runway and prepared for takeoff. As the airplane reached rotation speed, it suddenly veered to the left. He applied right aileron and rudder in an attempt to correct the deviation. He tried to close the throttle and stop the airplane, but he was unable to maintain control. He pulled the mixture and carburetor heat and applied the brakes. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and crossed over a taxiway before striking a helicopter. The airplane came to rest in the cement pilings next to a hangar. A fire erupted at the engine. The pilot reached back to retrieve the fire extinguisher, and when he looked back, he saw that his socks were burning. He then exited the airplane.

Witness Account

A witness reported seeing the airplane coming toward him on the taxiway after it departed the runway. The airplane was traveling at a high rate of speed, and the engine noise increased as if the pilot was attempting to take off. The airplane subsequently struck a helicopter and a guard post, where it caught fire.