Incident Overview
A pilot holding an airline transport rating and having accrued 40,000 flight hours attempted a takeoff without removing the control gust lock. During the takeoff roll, the pilot recognized the oversight, reduced engine power, and the aircraft departed the airport by crossing the fence. It landed on a road.
Pilot's Admission
In a statement to an FAA inspector present at the scene, the pilot said he had forgotten to remove the gust lock. To his insurance company, he reported that he failed to remove the control lock well into the takeoff roll.
Report Submission
The pilot submitted a partial Aircraft Accident Report. The report lacked any accompanying statement from the pilot.