Accident Sequence
A student pilot reported that after completing a touch-and-go landing, he applied full power to increase the airplane's ground speed. During the subsequent takeoff roll, as engine power increased, the airplane began drifting to the left side of the runway. The student pilot applied full right rudder deflection, but the input was ineffective. He then reduced the engine power to idle and applied brakes. Despite these efforts, the airplane exited the left side of the runway, collided with a drainage culvert, and came to rest inverted.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder.
Examination Findings
The student pilot suspected that a mechanical malfunction of the airplane's rudder system may have occurred prior to the accident sequence. However, Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors reported that during a post-accident examination, the airplane's rudder system was operational and rudder control continuity was attained.