Aircraft Excursion and Gear Collapse During Takeoff

Casualties unknown • Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

An aircraft veered off runway 9 right during its takeoff roll, resulting in a collision with a taxiway sign and the collapse of the landing gear.

What happened

During taxi and takeoff operations on runway 9 right, the aircraft experienced an excursion from the runway. At the time of the event, weather conditions included rain, which caused the windows of the aircraft to fog over. While the pilot reported being able to see through the front windows, passengers stated that visibility through the front windows was obscured by the fogging.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft drifted to the left and exited the runway surface. The aircraft then crossed a taxiway, where it collided with a taxiway identifier sign. This impact caused the nose gear to collapse and separate from the airframe. Following this, the aircraft impacted a ditch. The main landing gear also collapsed and separated, causing the aircraft to spin 90 degrees to the left. The aircraft eventually came to rest approximately 100 feet north of the runway.

Airport operations personnel inspected the runway shortly after the accident and observed no standing water. Additionally, no windshear alerts were recorded during the taxi or takeoff phases of the flight. Passengers also noted that the pilot was holding the control wheel full to the right during the takeoff process.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-06-08 Cessna 402C accident near Fort Lauderdale, FL?

An aircraft veered off runway 9 right during its takeoff roll, resulting in a collision with a taxiway sign and the collapse of the landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-06-08 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N440AB, operated by Air Sunshine, Inc., at Fort Lauderdale, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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 in the aircraft running off the left side of 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.

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