Casualties unknown

Loss of directional control during takeoff roll results in nose gear collapse (N9873R)

Dekalb, IL, US

On June 21, 1992, a Beech M35 (registration N9873R) operated by Charles W. Sheradon was involved in an aviation accident near Dekalb, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered left off the runway shortly after initiating takeoff, entering a marshy area where the nose gear collapsed due to loss of directional control.

What happened

Shortly after initiating the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced a loss of directional control. The airplane began to veer to the left of the runway centerline. Recognizing the deviation, the pilot attempted remedial action to regain control and stay on the paved surface. Despite these efforts, the aircraft continued its path off the runway and entered an adjacent marshy area. Upon entering this soft terrain, the nose gear collapsed under the stress.

The investigation

Following the accident, a post-accident inspection was conducted to determine if mechanical issues contributed to the loss of control. The examination focused on the systems responsible for steering and braking. The inspection failed to reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction of the steering and braking systems. This finding suggests that the loss of control was not caused by a mechanical defect in these critical components.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14825. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.