CESSNA 172S

Full Narrative

According to the solo student pilot, the purpose of the flight was to practice takeoffs and landings. He departed his home airport, and flew a short distance to practice at the accident airport where he completed six uneventful takeoffs and landings. The pilot then configured the airplane for a "short field takeoff" and applied takeoff power. He said the airplane lifted from the runway at 50 knots, he "pushed the nose down" and the right wing "suddenly lifted up." The airplane diverted 45 degrees to the left of the runway and the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff the left wing and left main landing gear struck the ground and the airplane rotated 180 degrees. The airplane came to rest facing opposite the direction of travel, with the left wing separated, and the airplane on fire. The pilot had opened the door during the accident sequence, and then deployed the fire extinguisher as he freed himself and egressed the airplane with no injury. After the accident, the pilot reported that there were no deficiencies with the performance and handling of the airplane.