Incident Overview
During a supervised solo flight, a student pilot was performing circuits in the traffic pattern. The pilot had completed three previous circuits, with two of the three landing attempts being aborted. On the fourth landing attempt, a 70-degree right crosswind caused the airplane to be blown off the left side of the runway.
Go-Around and Loss of Control
In response to the deviation, the student pilot applied full engine power to conduct a go-around. The airplane then veered left and banked 45 degrees to the left. The student pilot reported that despite pushing the control stick fully to the right, the airplane continued to turn left. The student pilot also stated that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.
Relevant Guidance
According to FAA Advisory Circular AC-61-23C (Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge), the effect of torque increases in direct proportion to engine power, airspeed, and airplane attitude. When power is high, airspeed is slow, and angle of attack is high, the effect of torque is greater. During takeoffs and climbs, when torque is most pronounced, sufficient right rudder pressure is required to counteract the left-turning tendency and maintain a straight path.