Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 12000; Flight Crew Type 500
Training / Qualification
Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related
After completing two takeoffs and landings on runway 29R with my student; I endorsed him for solo flight and I exited the airplane at transient parking (midfield) so I could observe him. He performed two takeoffs and landings solo on runway 29R. During his third takeoff; he accelerated normally; then I heard him reduce power and saw him traveling left of runway 29R in the midfield grass. He came to a stop west of taxiway C in the grass; notified ground control; and shut down the aircraft. He was assisted by airport operations personnel. There were no injuries and no damage to any aircraft. Weather was good during his flight and winds were variable at 6 knots or less. Prior to his third take off; a Cessna Citation departed the same runway. He was advised of wake turbulence. Student stated that he noticed the airplane veering to the left and attempted to correct to the right; but was unable to correct. After assessing student for injuries or signs of distress; we debriefed the event. Prior to his next flight; we will review wake turbulence; crosswind technique; rudder usage and aborted takeoff procedures and he will complete remedial flight training in those above areas as well.
I am a student pilot and the event occurred on the third takeoff of my solo certification. I approached runway 29R from the taxi way and contacted Torrance Tower. I requested right close traffic to complete my third takeoff and landing. The tower gave clearance for right close traffic and advised wake turbulence from the Cessna Citation that had just departed. I throttled forward onto the active runway after confirming intentions and checking traffic. I lined up the aircraft on the centerline and began my takeoff roll; applying full throttle. The aircraft accelerated through 50 knots and began veering left of the centerline. I applied right-rudder to compensate for the veer. The application of right rudder did not appear to have the expected outcome and continued to veer left. Retrospectively; I believe I could have been more aggressive with right-rudder to reduce the veer. The aircraft was 20 degrees to the left of 290 when I began the abort. I applied brakes and quickly released as I came into the grass field to the left of runway 29R. I chose to release brakes to prevent the aircraft from digging into the grass and kept my yoke pulled back to keep the nose up and weight off of the wheels. The aircraft continued to decelerate as it rolled across the grass; coming to rest past taxiway Charlie in the grass. I contacted ground; ground and was advised to wait for a tow. I shut down the engine; avionics and master switches; removed the key and waited for the tow truck. I was met by airport officials and we drove the length of 29R for a visual inspection of the runway. I filed a report with the airport official and then debriefed with emergency services at the airport; and my flight instructor. There was no damage to the aircraft and no injuries sustained by me or anyone on the ground.
C172 instructor and solo student reported loss of directional control on the takeoff roll when the student encountered wake turbulence from the preceding Cessna Citation.