On August 15, 1990, a Boeing A75 (registration N7772J) was involved in an aviation accident near Burdett, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DID NOT PROPERLY COMPENSATE FOR THE CROSS WIND AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff on a grass runway, the pilot aborted after hitting a bump and dragging wheels in brush. The aircraft departed the runway, went down an embankment, and struck a tree. FAA found no pre-existing mechanical failure.
Event Description
A pilot attempted a takeoff on Runway 18 of a grass runway measuring 2,700 feet in length and 90 feet in width. The wind was from 220 degrees at 10 to 15 knots. The pilot reported that people were positioned ahead and to the left of the aircraft, so he allowed the airplane to drift to the right to provide them more clearance. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft hit a bump and became airborne momentarily, with the wheels then dragging through brush. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff and closed the throttle. Subsequently, the aircraft left the runway, with over 1,000 feet of usable runway remaining, went down an embankment, and struck a tree.
Investigation Findings
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the aircraft and reported that they could find no evidence of a pre-existing failure or malfunction of the flight controls or brakes.