On January 26, 2002, a Beech F33A (registration N3276R) was involved in an aviation accident near Lynchburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and delay in aborting the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the aircraft turned left despite right rudder input and braking. The pilot aborted takeoff, but the aircraft left the runway, entered brush, and came to rest upright.
Event Description
The aircraft was taxied to the runway without any observed abnormalities in the braking or steering systems. The taxi route included two 90-degree turns and one 180-degree turn. As takeoff power was applied, the pilot anticipated the aircraft's tendency to turn left and compensated with right rudder. However, the pilot reported that "it did not produce the usual corrective action." The pilot then attempted to apply braking to stop the turn, but the aircraft departed the left side of the runway approximately 75 feet from the start of the takeoff roll. The engine was still developing full power at the time. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft proceeded into low-lying brush before coming to rest upright.
Examination Findings
Subsequent examination of the aircraft revealed that the rudder pedals and brakes operated normally.
Reference
According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook, "In the event a takeoff is rejected, the power should be reduced to idle and maximum braking applied while maintaining directional control."