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.