Accident Narrative
According to the solo student pilot's report, he was practicing a soft field takeoff. He applied full power and pitched the airplane's nose "above the horizon." The airplane became airborne, but wind drifted it to the left, causing it to strike a hay bale on the left side of the runway. After the impact, the student turned the airplane back toward the runway and landed on the remaining runway without further incident.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage.
Weather Information
The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 34 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 240 degrees at 4 knots. About 26 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 240 degrees at 9 knots. The student pilot was departing runway 17.
Post-Accident Information
The chief flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the instructor stated that the student pilot's flight instructor had told him not to practice soft field takeoffs during a solo flight, and that the student required more practice on the takeoff technique.