Accident Sequence
As the first officer began the takeoff roll, he felt the airplane drift to the right. The captain also noticed the drift and used the nosewheel tiller to help steer the aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the crew heard a loud bang followed by a continual rumbling noise. In response, the captain took over control and rejected the takeoff. However, the airplane was unable to stop before running off the end of the runway and colliding with a wooden approach lighting pier. The airplane came to rest partially submerged in water.
Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the rudder trim position was found to be 16 degrees, or full, left deflection of the rudder. The digital flight data recorder (DFDR) recorded this rudder trim position from engine start at the gate, indicating that the trim was set to full left deflection prior to the takeoff attempt.