On June 24, 1998, a Cessna T310R (registration N5255C) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in a lack of directional control of the aircraft. Factors to the accident were the two airport signs and the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted takeoff on runway 30R after aircraft drifted right of centerline during rotation, striking two airport signs. Substantial damage to the nose section was reported. The pilot cited a gust of wind and delayed throttle closure.
Incident Details
The pilot reported receiving clearance for takeoff on runway 30R. During the rotation at 85 knots, the aircraft began to drift off the right side of the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff, closed the throttles, and applied brake pressure. The aircraft subsequently impacted two airport signs before coming to a stop.
Pilot Statement
After the event, the pilot contacted the tower and taxied the aircraft to the ramp without assistance. The pilot stated that the accident could have been avoided or minimized had he closed the throttles sooner when struck by a gust of wind and had he pushed the nose of the airplane back to the ground to regain directional control.
Damage and Weather
Post-accident investigation revealed substantial damage to the nose section of the aircraft. The winds reported at the airport 16 minutes prior to the accident were from 210 degrees at 9 knots.