Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 11
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors; Procedure; Airspace Structure
Aircraft X advised me they were at Runway XX ready for departure. I told the aircraft the wind 'turn right heading 295 Runway XY cleared for takeoff'. The pilot replied what sounded like 'uh 295 cleared for takeoff' in the recording. I watched the aircraft depart and when it appeared to me that it was in a right turn I told the aircraft ' heading 295 contact departure'. I looked away and almost immediately the approach controller called me and asked me what the aircraft was doing. I looked at the radar scope and realize the aircraft was now in a left turn at approximately 5200 ft below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude. I told the approach Controller he should be turning right; and then tried to call the aircraft thinking he might possibly still be on my frequency. The approach controller reached out to that aircraft and realized it was on his frequency and took immediate corrective action. I watched the radar replay and listen to the audio after listening to the audio several times I realized pilot could be saying 'left 295' however all that I can actually hear is 't 295'. In a situation where I hear what sounds like 'uh' from the pilot try to re-verify the instruction.
Tower Controller reported an aircraft turned the wrong direction after takeoff and flew below the Minimum Vectoring Altitude.