Event Narrative
During a soft field takeoff roll, the student pilot reported that the airplane veered to the right, prompting a correction with left rudder. After the main landing gear lifted off the runway, she released the back pressure on the yoke and subsequently stated that she "started to lose control" of the airplane. The flight instructor reported that following the loss of control, the nose of the airplane "dropped to the ground rapidly," resulting in the right wing impacting the ground and the collapse of the nose landing gear.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the firewall.
Mechanical Condition
The flight instructor reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Reference Material
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A (2004) discusses pilot actions after liftoff during short field takeoffs. It notes that after becoming airborne, the nose should be lowered gently with wheels clear of the surface to allow acceleration to VY, or VX if obstacles must be cleared. Extreme care is needed immediately after becoming airborne to avoid settling back onto the surface. An attempt to climb prematurely or too steeply may cause the airplane to settle back due to loss of ground effect. The handbook emphasizes the importance of remaining in ground effect until at least VX is reached, requiring a fine control touch to avoid over-controlling as acceleration changes control pressures.