NTSB Factual Report

On August 18, 2004, at 1815 central daylight time, a Cessna 172N single-engine airplane, N739AM, was substantially damaged when it collided with a taxiway sign following a loss of directional control during takeoff roll at the New Braunfels Municipal Airport (BAZ), near New Braunfels, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Southern Wings Flight Training Center of New Braunfels. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the site of the accident, the 11-hour student pilot, who was conducting his second supervised solo flight, was attempting to take off from runway 13 (a 5,364-foot long and 100-foot wide asphalt runway), and the airplane started to veer off the runway to the left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the runway, and collided with a taxiway sign.

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the left horizontal stabilizer was bent upwards approximately 5 degrees. The left main landing gear was found crushed underneath the fuselage.

At 1751, the automated surface observing system at BAZ reported wind from 140 degrees at 16 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, sky condition clear, temperature 90 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.92 inches of Mercury.

A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received from the pilot.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane. A contributing factor was the high wind condition.