Accident Details
A student pilot and a flight instructor were practicing soft field takeoffs at an airport. According to the student pilot, the airplane lifted off about mid-field and began drifting to the left. Both pilots attempted to correct the deviation, but the airplane struck a runway sign and subsequently spun to the left.
The flight instructor provided a different account, stating that as soon as the airplane lifted off the ground, the student pilot lost his composure. The instructor reported calling for the flight controls and then began physically struggling with the student for control of the airplane, yelling "let go" in the process. The airplane then struck a taxiway sign and spun to the left.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. No further details on the extent of damage were provided.
Pilot Reports
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot did not mention any mechanical issues either.
Weather
The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 210° at 11 knots. The student pilot reported that the wind was from 220° to 240° at 11 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The airplane departed runway 17.