What happened
On 7 May 2006, a Cessna 152, registration G-BNKC, was performing solo circuit training and touch-and-go maneuvers at Shobdon Aerodrome in Herefordshire. Following a successful landing, the student pilot opened the throttle to initiate a subsequent takeoff. During this process, the engine power increased, causing the aircraft to begin veering toward the left side of the runway.
In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied left rudder instead of the required right rudder. This error caused the aircraft to continue its leftward swing, eventually leaving the runway surface. The aircraft came to a stop after entering an adjacent field containing a crop of oilseed rape. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the engine sustained shock loading damage.
The investigation
The investigation was based on an aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The flying instructor, who had observed the incident, confirmed the sequence of events as described by the student pilot.