Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilots failure to follow the checklist and assure the door was closed prior to takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the student's diverted attention during the takeoff roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot initiated his first solo takeoff roll and noted the right door was ajar. He continued the takeoff roll and attempted to close the door. He lost control of the airplane on the ground and it veered off the runway and came to rest in a canal.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 18, 1994, about 0936 eastern standard time, N89515, a Cessna 152, operated by Wayman Aviation Inc. crashed on takeoff attempt at Opa-Locka Airport, Opa-Locka, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The student pilot was cleared for three touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. On the first takeoff during takeoff roll the student noted the door was open, and he attempted to close it while still continuing the takeoff. The airplane veered left off the runway and crashed into a canal. -