Piper PA-28-161 N746RA accident near Lake Wales, Florida

Probable cause

The student pilot’s decision to depart from an intersection with insufficient runway remaining for takeoff, which resulted in a rejected takeoff and subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

After observing the student pilot’s successful performance of several takeoffs and landings, the flight instructor exited the airplane and briefed the student pilot for solo traffic pattern work. The student pilot taxied to the end of the runway and performed the first takeoff and landing without incident. The student pilot then began his second takeoff at the runway’s intersection with a taxiway, which left about 1,000 feet of runway remaining. The flight instructor advised the student pilot on the common traffic advisory frequency not to perform an intersection departure. The student pilot stated that he did not hear the radio call. The student pilot initiated the takeoff but stated the airplane was not climbing properly and aborted the takeoff. With insufficient runway remaining to stop and with obstacles ahead, the student pilot veered right then collided with bushes. Postaccident examination and an engine run revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failure that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA314 for the full record.