Aircraft veers left during takeoff, striking parked planes

Casualties unknown • Marion, IA, US

An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in three separate collisions with parked aircraft.

What happened

Prior to takeoff, the pilot positioned the unspecified aircraft on the runway. To avoid an area of loose gravel located at the north end of the runway, the pilot intentionally lined the aircraft along the right side of the runway, intending to depart over the grass.

According to statements from several passengers, the aircraft's windshield was completely obscured by frost during both the taxi and the takeoff roll. Upon applying full power for takeoff, the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder and scanning the flight instruments. During this maneuver, the left wing of the aircraft struck a plane parked alongside the runway. The aircraft then experienced a second and third impact with two additional parked airplanes before finally coming to a rest.

All occupants were not injured in the sequence of collisions.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered left during takeoff after the pilot attempted to avoid gravel on the runway, resulting in multiple collisions with parked aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-08-09 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Marion, IA?

An aircraft veered off the runway during its takeoff roll, resulting in three separate collisions with parked aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-08-09 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N234KB, at Marion, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered left during takeoff after the pilot attempted to avoid gravel on the runway, resulting in multiple collisions with parked aircraft.

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