Collision with terrain involving a Piper Aircraft Corp PA-38-112, VH-IAD, Bankstown, Aerodrome, NSW on 8 March 1997

The student was approaching first solo standard, having completed some four hours of incident free circuits prior to a dual session of take-offs and landings. During the first take-off from runway 11C, just prior to rotation speed, the student applied full back stick and 'froze' on the controls. The instructor was unable to regain control before the Tomahawk lifted off and stalled at a height of about 30 ft. The aircraft struck the runway under full power, incurring substantial damage. Both the student and instructor were uninjured