Instructor pilot and trainee reported a runway excursion during the trainee's solo touch and go training. The trainee lost control after applying power; exited the pavement; hit taxi lights and dented the aircraft in several places.
Synopsis
Instructor pilot and trainee reported a runway excursion during the trainee's solo touch and go training. The trainee lost control after applying power; exited the pavement; hit taxi lights and dented the aircraft in several places.
Narrative
I was making my third approach onto runway XXL while doing pattern work for my second student solo. The approach was good and stable; the glide slope was good; and speed was around 65-68kts over the numbers. Landed slightly off the centerline to the left; the right wheel was still across the centerline. I then raised my flaps and added power to take off again to re-enter the pattern. Almost as soon as I added power the plane began to shift significantly to the left. I immediately started putting in the right rudder as I always do to counteract the left-turning tendency of the plane. The plane however continued to shift left and I continued to put in more and more right rudder. The amount of right rudder needed to keep the plane straight was much more than normal. I avoided slamming on the right rudder in order to prevent an overcorrection; which I felt would have created a much worse situation. After trying to correct the path of the plane it became obvious that the plane had reached a point of no return and was going to go off the left side of the runway. Upon reaching this point I immediately pulled out all power and started pressing heavily on the breaks. The plane skidded off the runway and began running through the grass. After the plane went into the grass it started to head towards taxiway 1. While crossing 1 I hit multiple taxi lights and almost hit the taxiway 1 sign but managed to avoid it. After the plane crossed 1 it once again went into the grass while still continuing the left turn. At this point; the plane had slowed significantly. I came off the grass onto taxiway 2 and finally came to rest in the middle of taxiway 3. After sitting on taxiway 3 for about 15-30 seconds to collect my thoughts and to let my adrenaline die down slightly; I called the tower to let them know that I was okay and that the plane was still operable. Tower had me taxi back to the ramp where I parked and shut down. After the shutdown; I got out and examined the plane. There were two considerable dents in the left strut leading down to the left wheel. There was also a considerable dent in the propeller. The right wheel cowling was also loose. No other exterior damage was observed. Reflecting on the events I don't understand what went wrong. I don't dismiss that this could have easily been something I did/didn't do. However; after doing over 3 dozen landings with my instructor and 5 landings solo. I didn't do anything different from the other landings I had made. The only thing that got my attention was the landing before the accident; on my second approach. The plane also had a fairly sharp turn to the left. It was enough to throw me to the left of the centerline completely; but I managed to keep it on the runway. I even verbally commented to myself about it as I took off. I should have paid more attention to that and in hindsight; aborted takeoff. Part of me thinks that I should have put in more right rudder; but looking back; I think if I had input any more right rudder I would have overcorrected. If I had overcorrected to the right; it would have put me on a collision course with possible construction crews who were working that day; as well as multiple parked planes; which could have made the outcome much worse.
Second reporter narrative
Supervised Student Solo - Instructor (myself) not in airplane.Student has been trained per part 61.87. Has demonstrated on multiple different training flights the ability to successfully takeoff and land the airplane without any instructor assistance.While solo; the student landed back main wheels and lowered nose smooth and correct. Upon the rollout; flaps where retracted and power was applied. After the power was increased; the plane then veered to the left of the runway clipping a runway light and making contact with the propeller. No injuries occurred during the incident.After reviewing photos from the Airport Authority showing skid marks accross the runway; it looks as if the student had made the descision to press the top left rudder pedal; engaging the left diferential braking which caused the airplane to veer left.As the recomending instructor; I believe an emphasis on light control imputs; as well as feet off the breaks or 'heels on the floor' should be re-taught for all ground operations as well as airport/runway awareness.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.