On June 6, 1982, a Beech 18 (registration N171DC) operated by Michael Knight was involved in an aviation accident near Macon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot conducting a ferry flight lost directional control during the takeoff roll on runway 05, causing the aircraft to ground loop and leave the paved surface.
What happened
The flight was being conducted under ferry flight provisions. The crew received a takeoff clearance for runway 05 at an airport where reported surface winds were from 320 degrees at 10 knots. During the takeoff roll, the copilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft ground looped and departed the side of the runway.
The investigation
No mechanical examination or post-accident inspection details were provided in the source material.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the event was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. Loss of directional control prevented the crew from keeping the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline, leading to the ground loop and subsequent departure from the paved surface.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.