Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Student
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 17; Flight Crew Total 25; Flight Crew Type 25
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Object
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft; Human Factors
Was conducting a touch and go as a student pilot solo with about 50 prior landings and no previous issues. Landing was normal and slightly left of runway centerline. After turning carb heat off and raising flaps as normal; went full throttle for takeoff.  I then applied slight right rudder to get back on centerline.Aircraft pulled sharply to the left unexpectedly; and wasn't able to be corrected with right rudder applied. Aircraft went off runway onto grass area; traveling through and impacting distance marker sign and runway light.  During this time (approximately 5-10 seconds); power was removed. Aircraft traveled onto taxiway and stopped; heading east.  Observed damage to lower cowling and prop; believed from impact to sign. Aircraft was towed back to hangar.Rudder pedals were then engaged to observe steering mechanism and steering mechanism was observed not to be functioning.
C172 pilot lost directional control on landing roll and departed the runway. Aircraft was later found to have inoperative nose wheel steering.