On July 18, 1982, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N34RS) operated by Vornsand Enterprise Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Jonestown, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining substantial damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced a strong pull to the right, causing the aircraft to leave the runway and descend an embankment. No engine malfunction was found after impact.
What happened
During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported encountering a significant force pulling the aircraft to the right. This uncommanded deviation caused the airplane to depart from the right side of the runway surface. The aircraft then descended down an embankment approximately eight feet high. Following the incident, the airframe sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
Post-accident inspection revealed that the wheels continued to roll freely, indicating no immediate mechanical binding or brake failure at the time of examination. Furthermore, no engine malfunction was verified during the assessment. The pilot confirmed that both engines were maintained at full power settings until the moment of impact.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and sustaining substantial damage.