Casualties unknown

Aircraft Drifts Left During Takeoff, Strikes Taxiway Sign and Ditch (N440AB)

Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

On June 8, 1999, a Cessna 402C (registration N440AB) operated by Air Sunshine, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision takeoff with condensation on the cockpit windows which restricted visibility, his improper use of aileron control, improper compensation for winds during takeoff, and his failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, resulting… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on runway 9 right in rain, the aircraft drifted left, exited the runway, struck a taxiway identifier sign, and came to rest in a ditch, collapsing landing gear.

Sequence of Events

During taxi and takeoff on runway 9 right, the aircraft's windows were fogged over due to rain, according to the pilot and passengers. The passengers reported they could not see out the front windows, while the pilot stated he could see. The passengers also noted that the pilot was holding the control wheel full to the right during the takeoff roll.

The wind was reported from 030 degrees at 10 knots. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft drifted to the left and departed the runway. It then crossed over a taxiway and collided with a taxiway identifier sign. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse and separate.

Continuing, the aircraft struck a ditch. The main landing gear collapsed and separated, and the aircraft spun 90 degrees to the left, coming to rest approximately 100 feet north of the runway.

Environmental Conditions

No windshear alerts were recorded during the taxi and takeoff of the flight. Airport operations personnel who inspected the runway shortly after the accident reported no standing water on the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19049. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.