Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadvertent encounter with a water puddle on the runway during takeoff roll which resulted in the pilot losing directional control and running off the side of the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot stated that during the takeoff roll from a touch and go landing the aircraft appeared to contact a water puddle on the runway. The aircraft veered to the left and before he could regain directional control the aircraft went off the runway into soft terrain and the wings collided with the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 17, 1994, about 0948 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6115Q, registered to District Board of Trust, ran off the runway and collided with the ground while doing a touch-and-go landing at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, Clearwater, Florida. The flight was a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight in the local area. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the student-rated pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated at Clearwater, Florida, on August 17, 1994, about 0830. The student pilot stated he was practicing touch-and-go landings. Upon landing, he raised the flaps, shut off the carburetor heat and applied full power to take off again. As the aircraft accelerated down the runway the left main tire appeared to contact a water puddle. The aircraft veered to the left and he immediately reduced power to idle. Attempts to regain directional control were unsuccessful and the aircraft went off the left side of the runway. The aircraft then nosed up in soft terrain, the propeller struck the ground, and the wings hit the ground. The aircraft came to rest upright. -