Accident Overview
A pilot used the nosewheel steering system (NWSS) while taxiing from the fixed-base operator (FBO) to the runway. After back-taxiing down the runway, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn and, without stopping, began the takeoff roll. No malfunctions of the NWSS were reported before commencing the takeoff.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported difficulty steering the aircraft during the takeoff roll. As the engines spooled up, the aircraft tracked to the right of the runway centerline. When the pilot corrected with the NWSS, the aircraft veered left, then right, while accelerating. Before reaching 80 knots, the pilot initiated abort procedures but was unable to regain directional control.
The pilot stated that he retarded the thrust levers to idle, applied maximum braking, and selected reverse thrust. However, the aircraft accelerated when the engines spooled up without activation of the thrust reversers. The pilot then shut down the engines, but the aircraft struck three parked aircraft before coming to a stop.
System Examination
The aircraft was equipped with an early model Dowty Rotol nosewheel steering system. Post-accident examinations of the NWSS and thrust reversers revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical cause was identified for the loss of directional control or the failure of the thrust reversers to activate. The accident sequence was consistent with the pilot's account of events, and no pre-existing system anomalies were found.