Takeoff and Abort
The pilot initiated a takeoff from a 3,539-foot wet runway with an upslope. The aircraft's gross weight was approximately 9,300 pounds, or 300 pounds below the maximum gross weight. According to the pilot, the aircraft accelerated but never reached 107 knots. After using about 2,700 feet of runway, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. He placed both propellers into reverse and applied full brakes.
Runway Overrun and Impact
The aircraft continued off the departure end of the runway, went through a perimeter fence, crossed a four-lane road and a median, struck a utility pole, and finally hit a large tree approximately 850 feet from the end of the runway.
Flap Setting and Performance Manual
The pilot had selected a 5-degree flap setting. The aircraft's performance manual indicated that the takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle was 1,900 feet. The manual further stated that for either 5 or 20 degrees of flaps, the pilot should allow the aircraft to accelerate to 70 to 80 knots before applying back pressure on the elevator control; the aircraft should then lift off at approximately 93 to 96 knots.
Investigation Findings
The investigation disclosed no power plant or control malfunction.