Accident
On April 28, 2012, at about 1300 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, registration N746RA, operated by Airline Career Academy, collided with bushes during a rejected takeoff at Lake Wales Municipal Airport (X07), Lake Wales, Florida. The flight was a solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot was the sole occupant and was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Flight History
The student pilot had previously flown to X07 with a certified flight instructor (CFI) and performed several touch-and-go landings. After the CFI endorsed the student's logbook and medical certificate for solo flight, the student taxied to runway 06 and departed for a full-stop landing. While taxiing back, he missed a turn and taxied onto taxiway Delta, where he held short of the runway. The CFI transmitted a warning not to depart from the intersection, but the student did not hear it. Based on preflight planning, the student believed 800 feet of runway was sufficient. He taxied onto the runway and applied takeoff power. The airplane accelerated to rotation speed (63 knots), but when he pulled on the control yoke, the airplane did not rotate. He elected to abort the takeoff.
Instructor's Report
The CFI reported that the airplane became airborne for 5 to 6 seconds, flying 3 to 4 feet above the runway. The student stated he was unable to stop on the runway, veered to the right, and collided with bushes. According to the FAA inspector-in-charge, approximately 1,000 feet of runway remained at the intersection of taxiway Delta.
Weather
A surface observation at Bartow Municipal Airport, located about 9 nautical miles and 294 degrees from the accident site, taken at 1215 eastern daylight time, reported wind from 080 degrees at 8 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds, temperature 28°C, dew point 17°C, and altimeter 30.10 inHg. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed.
Post-Accident Examination
The engine was operated under FAA supervision to full static rpm with no discrepancies noted. The main landing gear brakes were inspected and showed no evidence of pre-accident failure or malfunction.