Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot was nose-high during a soft-field takeoff, and did not detect that the airplane drifted toward the edge of the runway. The airplane's left main landing gear impacted a snowbank off the runway's prepared surface and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The student pilot was nose-high during a soft-field takeoff. He did not detect that the airplane's drift brought it towards the edge of the runway. The airplane's left main landing gear impacted a snowbank off the runway's prepared surface and the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident flight.