Accident Details
A student pilot was practicing short-field takeoffs from runway 32 at an airport with a 3,541-foot-long, 50-foot-wide asphalt runway. During the second takeoff roll, the airplane turned to the left. The student pilot attempted to correct the left turn with right rudder, but a cushion was lodged under the rudder pedals. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, struck a pole and two cars, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing, firewall, and left horizontal stabilizer.
Pilot Experience
The student pilot reported 34 hours of total flight experience, including 7 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. He reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.
Examination Findings
An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed a cushion lodged under the left rudder pedal; however, the cushion did not hinder the operation of the rudder. The winds reported at an airport 12 miles to the south of the accident location were calm.
Outcome
The airplane sustained substantial damage. No further information was provided regarding injuries or other outcomes.