Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane began “drifting to the left” of the runway centerline. The airplane briefly became airborne as the pilot attempted to apply opposite rudder. The airplane then landed hard and came to rest in a grassy area at the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage and nose wheel landing gear. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.