FTW03LA017

During the takeoff roll, the student pilot lost directional control of the airplane and impacted a runway sign. The student pilot had completed several takeoffs and landings without incident. Due to a change in wind direction, the active runway changed from runway 14 to runway 09. On her first takeoff from runway 09, the airplane veered to the left of centerline, and the pilot did not correct for the left drift. The airplane departed the side of the runway and its left main gear collided with a runway sign, partially separating the left main landing gear. After completing a traffic pattern for a full stop landing, the airplane abruptly veered to the left after the damaged left main gear contacted the runway. The airplane departed the runway, crossed a taxiway , and collided with another taxiway sign, and came to rest in the upright position.

On October 11, 2002, at 0931 central standard time, a Cessna 172L single-engine airplane, N7616G, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control while landing at the Stinson Municipal Airport (SSF), near San Antonio, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned by a private individual and was being operated by Check Six Aviation, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas. No flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the local instructional flight. The flight originated from the Stinson Airport approximately 0845.

The FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, reported that the 29-hour student pilot had been cleared by her flight instructor to perform stop and go landings on runway 14, where she executed several takeoffs and landings without incident. Due to a change in wind direction, the active runway changed to runway 09. On her first takeoff from runway 09, the airplane veered to the left of centerline during the takeoff roll, and the pilot did not correct for the left drift. The airplane departed the side of the runway and its left main gear collided with a runway sign, partially separating the left main landing gear.

The student pilot was not aware that the left main landing gear was partially separating and trailing. The airplane was observed to continue the takeoff roll, became airborne, and re-entered the traffic for a full-stop landing. During the landing roll, the airplane abruptly veered to the left after the damaged left main gear contacted the runway. The airplane departed runway 09, crossed taxiway Delta, and collided with another taxiway sign, coming to rest in the upright position.

On the recommendation portion of the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the operator stated that the accident could have been prevented by "more right rudder application on takeoff."

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed damaged to the left main landing gear, skin damage to the belly of the airplane, and structural damage to spar for the left horizontal stabilizer.