Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff ground roll in crosswind conditions, and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor reported that the student was practicing touch-and-go landings with a “light” crosswind from the right. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a low-level wind shear just as the airplane was beginning to rotate. The nose and right wing lifted up until the left wing struck the runway. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and applied aileron control to arrest the rising wing and right rudder to stop the yaw. The airplane subsequently departed the runway, striking a runway light and a distance marking sign. The left aileron and the nacelle firewall were bent and wrinkled. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The flight instructor reported that the student was practicing touch-and-go landings with a “light” crosswind from the right. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a low-level wind shear just as the airplane was beginning to rotate. The nose and right wing lifted up until the left wing struck the runway. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and applied aileron control to arrest the rising wing, and right rudder to stop the yaw. The airplane subsequently departed the runway striking a runway light and a distance marking sign. The left aileron and the nacelle firewall were bent and wrinkled. The flight instructor reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.