NTSB Factual Report

The student pilot's instructor briefed and reviewed with the student several operational issues, including crosswind component limitations, before the accident flight, which was to be a solo cross country flight.

The student pilot stated that he taxied on the runway lining up with the center line. He noted wind direction and deflected the ailerons accordingly. He began the takeoff roll and at approximately 36 knots, indicated on the airspeed indicator, the left wing suddenly lifted off the ground and the airplane tilted to the left. At that moment, he reduced engine power to idle to abort the takeoff. The airplane continued rolling to the left towards the grass. The right wing hit a distance marker on the side of the runway. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

The responding FAA inspector stated that student pilot lost directional control of the airplane, which veered off the left side of the runway and impacted a distance marker about the 2,000 feet down the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff.