What happened
On March 28, 2019, a student pilot was conducting a solo flight as part of a Private Pilot course at the Lib Mandi Metropolitan Aerodrome in San Bartolo, Peru. The flight was intended to consist of local traffic patterns on runway 32. After successfully completing an initial circuit and landing, the pilot was cleared for a second takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft reached a speed of 40 knots, the Cessna 152 experienced an unexpected yaw to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using right rudder pedals, but was unable to maintain the centerline. The aircraft veered off the left side of the runway, traveling across uneven, sandy terrain. The pilot subsequently reduced power and applied the brakes to bring the aircraft to a stop. The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft after shutting down the engine and electrical systems; no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by the CIAA established that the aircraft, registration OB-1836-P, sustained significant damage. The impact with the ground caused a propeller strike, and damage was also noted to the nose gear, engine, engine mount, and firewall.
The investigation found that the aircraft was airworthy, with all maintenance and inspections up to date. Meteorological conditions were favorable, and communications with the tower were functional. The investigation focused on the pilot's actions during the takeoff roll, noting that while the pilot initially attempted a correction, the deviation was exacerbated by engine torque and a left crosswind component.