On July 5, 1992, a Cessna 421B (registration N929DB) operated by Dana L. Brenneman was involved in an aviation accident near Shelter Cove, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT AND HIS FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT THE CONTROL SURFACE LOCKS WERE REMOVED PRIOR TO FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff ground roll at about 100 knots, the pilot discovered the control lock was still engaged. Unable to remove it, the aircraft overran the 3,400-foot runway, struck a sewage treatment building, and came to rest on beach rocks.
Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a takeoff reported that during the ground roll at approximately 100 knots, he realized the control lock was still in place. He attempted to remove the lock but was unsuccessful before the aircraft departed the end of the 3,400-foot-long runway.
Sequence of Events
After overrunning the runway, the aircraft collided with a county sewage treatment building. The impact separated the wings from the fuselage. The fuselage continued through the structure and eventually came to rest on rocks near the beach.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he discovered the control lock was still engaged during the takeoff roll and that he could not remove it in time to prevent the overrun.
Damage Assessment
The collision with the building resulted in the separation of the wings from the fuselage. The fuselage sustained further damage as it passed through the building and stopped on the rocky beach area.