Accident Overview
An airplane overran the departure end of the runway during the takeoff roll. The aircraft traveled an estimated 600 to 800 feet beyond the runway, colliding with the localizer antenna. It continued approximately 100 feet, striking the airport perimeter fence. The airplane then crossed a ditch and a road before coming to rest 50 feet south of the road.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the elevator was not installed on the airplane. According to the owner, the airplane was undergoing refurbishment, and the elevator had been removed for painting on June 1, 1997.
Pilot Toxicology
Blood samples taken at a hospital approximately one hour and 12 minutes after the accident indicated that the pilot had a blood alcohol concentration of 180 mg/dl.
Authorization and Certificate Status
The pilot and passenger were not authorized by the owner to use the airplane. Additionally, the pilot's commercial pilot certificate had been revoked seven years prior for stealing an airplane.