Background
A student pilot was conducting solo flight training. During the third landing of the session, the pilot perceived the left main tire as flat.
Incident Details
After landing, the pilot taxied the airplane to the fixed base operator (FBO) for inspection. The FBO representative examined the tire and did not note any discrepancy. The pilot then taxied back to the runway to resume training.
During the subsequent takeoff roll, as the airplane reached approximately 30 knots, it began to oscillate on the left side. The pilot reduced power to idle and applied the brakes. The airplane continued to veer left, departed the runway surface, and came to rest in a ditch. The impact incurred substantial damage to the firewall.
Investigation
The responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the left wheel assembly. The inspection revealed no discrepancies that would have prevented normal operation of the assembly.