Casualties unknown

2001-11-14: Cessna 340A (N2RR) — Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, CA, US

On November 14, 2001, a Cessna 340A (registration N2RR) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Monica, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to remove the control gust lock prior to takeoff and his failure to abort the takeoff with sufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane on the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During an aborted nighttime takeoff, an airplane overran the runway, vaulted an embankment, and struck a guardrail on an airport service road 30 feet below. Witnesses reported high speed, normal engine sound, and a subsequent power reduction with screeching tires. The gust lock was found engaged.

Accident

During an aborted nighttime takeoff, the airplane continued off the end of a 4,987-foot-long runway. It then vaulted an embankment and impacted a guardrail on an airport service road located 30 feet below the runway elevation.

Witness Observations

Several witnesses reported observing the airplane traveling along the runway at an unusually high speed. They noted that the engine sound was normal and the airplane did not become airborne. Subsequently, they heard an abrupt reduction in engine power and the sound of screeching tires.

Aircraft Performance

According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the takeoff distance required for the ambient conditions was 1,620 feet. The accelerate-stop distance for those conditions was 2,945 feet. Skid marks were present on the last 1,000 feet of the runway.

Wreckage Examination

In the wreckage, the gust lock/control lock was found engaged in the pilot's control column.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011120X02271. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.