Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that while performing a touch-and-go takeoff roll, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck a taxiway sign and taxiway lighting. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest on its left wing, left elevator and horizontal stabilizer, which resulted in substantial damage to the left elevator. The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. At the time of the accident, the pilot was taking off on runway 25, with wind from 270° at 13 knots.