What happened
During the ground roll phase of a student pilot's planned takeoff, smoke began to enter the cockpit. The pilot responded by aborting the takeoff on a runway that was 3,650 feet in length. Despite the attempt to stop, the airplane continued past the end of the paved surface and collided with a fence.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed a mechanical failure responsible for the smoke. The alternator drive belt was found to be broken. Investigators located the detached belt against the exhaust assembly, indicating that friction or contact with the hot components likely generated the smoke observed in the cockpit.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the incident was the mechanical failure of the alternator drive belt. The subsequent contact with the exhaust system caused the smoke intrusion, which necessitated the abort maneuver. The overrun occurred because the aircraft could not be stopped within the remaining runway distance after the decision to abort was made.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware that mechanical failures can produce immediate hazards such as smoke or fumes in the cockpit during critical phases of flight like takeoff. Prompt recognition and appropriate response are essential, but pilots must also consider available runway length when deciding to abort.