Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A factor to the accident was inadequate remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on his first solo flight practicing touch-and-go landings. After completing the first landing without incident, he retracted the flaps, turned off the carburetor heat and added power for the takeoff. After power was applied, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot stated that he corrected with right rudder control, however, the airplane continued to the left and began to 'fishtail.' the pilot opted to reduce power as the airplane continued off the side of the runway. The nose wheel dug into the soft soil and the airplane nosed over. During the post crash inspection, it was found that the flaps were in the fully extended position. No evidence was found to indicated a mechanical failure or malunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 7, 1995, at 1245 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 152, N25478, ran off the side of runway 35 at Logan, Utah. The nose wheel dug into the ground and the airplane nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. In a written statement, the pilot reported that his first solo landing was made without incident. The pilot stated that, during the ensuing takeoff ground roll, he retracted the flaps, turned off the carburetor heat and added full power. After the power was applied, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot corrected the situation by applying rudder control and stated that the airplane began to "fishtail," a situation which gradually increased. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff and reduced power as the airplane continued to the left side of the runway. The airplane travelled off the edge of the runway, the nose wheel dug into the soft ground, and the airplane nosed over. After the accident, the airplane was inspected. It was found that the flaps were fully extended. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction. -