What happened
The incident occurred following an engine run-up with the parking brake engaged. During the initial takeoff roll, the pilot aborted the maneuver because the aircraft failed to accelerate as expected. Post-abort checks confirmed that the brakes had functioned correctly during the stop, and a subsequent engine run-up showed normal instrument readings.
While taxiing back to the approach end of the runway for another attempt, the pilot noticed a lack of braking response on the right side. He asked the passenger in the right front seat to inspect the brakes, after which he determined they were acceptable. During the second takeoff attempt, the pilot again felt unsatisfactory acceleration and aborted. However, this time no braking action was available. The pilot utilized aerodynamic braking and fishtailed the aircraft to slow down before running into a snowbank at the departure end of the runway.
The investigation
A mechanical examination of the brake system revealed evidence of excessive heat. Local maintenance personnel explained that the specific parking brake release trigger requires the operator to hold it in the depressed position while moving the brake handle forward. Failure to do so can result in inadvertent braking during taxi operations.
Findings
The pilot failed to fully release the parking brake during taxi, resulting in restricted acceleration and a subsequent loss of directional control during the second takeoff abort. The aircraft sustained damage from impacting a snowbank.