Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control and his improper use of the rudder in an attempt to regain control.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated the airplane began veering to the left during the takeoff ground run. He stated he applied the 'wrong rudder' (left) in an attempt to straighten the heading. The airplane departed the left side of the runway heading for trees. The pilot reduced the throttle and the airplane contacted the trees before coming to a stop.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 10, 1996, at 1115 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N67475, operated by Suburban Aviation, collided with trees while taking off on runway 27 (3,928 x 50') at the Toledo Suburban Airport, Lambertville, Michigan. The local 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot was not injured. The flight originated at the Toledo Suburban Airport, at 1005 est. The student pilot reported that during the takeoff ground run the airplane began to veer to the left. He stated that at takeoff speed he decided to use rudder to straighten out the heading. He reported, "Hit wrong rudder causing plane to leave runway to the left." The pilot realized that he was not going to be able to clear a treeline ahead of him so he, "...pulled out throttle and pulled up slightly on yoke to slow plane down." The airplane continued into the treeline, contacting "two or three" trees prior to coming to a stop. -