Takeoff Attempt and Abort
A solo student pilot reported that after a normal taxi and run-up, he aligned the airplane on the runway centerline and began the takeoff roll. He attempted to rotate the airplane at 50 knots and again at 65 knots, but the airplane "couldn't takeoff." Subsequently, he reduced engine power to idle and applied the brakes to abort the takeoff.
Runway Excursion
During the aborted takeoff, the airplane veered left off the runway and encountered high grass and a water retention lake approximately 635 feet from the runway centerline. The student pilot reported that the airplane "wouldn't respond" to his control inputs during the abort.
Damage and Inspection
The left wing sustained substantial damage. A postaccident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector found that the brakes were functional and confirmed flight control continuity.
Operator's Account
The operator reported that the student pilot "rotated too early and got fixated on the airspeed indicator. Then the left brake was touched causing the airplane to veer to the left."