Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was conducting a touch & go landing. After touchdown, the airplane began turning left. The pilot said he applied right rudder, then prepared for takeoff. When he applied power, the airplane veered off of the runway, collided with a ditch, and nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 31, 1995, about 2010 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N7348B, collided with a ditch adjacent to runway 9R, at the Central Florida Regional Airport, Sanford, Florida, during the takeoff portion of a touch and go landing. The airplane was operated by A.T.A. Sales & Leasing, Inc., under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the solo, instructional flight. There were no injuries to the student pilot, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The local flight originated about ten minutes prior to the accident. According to the air traffic local controller, the airplane was observed on final approach, then after touch down, operating normally. The controller looked away at other traffic. When he returned his attention to N7348B, the airplane had departed the runway to the left and collided with a ditch. An FAA inspector from the Orlando Flight Standards District Office reported that marks on the runway indicated that the airplane veered off of the runway during the takeoff roll. The pilot reported that the landing was successful. The airplane began veering to the right, which the pilot attempted to counter with right rudder. He stated that he then "prepared the airplane for takeoff." When full throttle was applied, "...it felt like the plane bit hard left." The airplane then collided with a ditch and nosed over. -