Previous Takeoff Abort
Earlier in the day, a different flightcrew performed a successful aborted takeoff in the incident airplane. The aborted takeoff occurred with seven to nine passengers on board, at 139 knots, when the flightcrew was unable to rotate the airplane. The only difference between that aborted takeoff and the uneventful previous flight was the addition of 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of fuel. Following the abort, the airplane underwent a maintenance inspection that did not reveal any discrepancies pertaining to the inability to rotate. The aircraft was then returned to service.
Incident Takeoff and Overrun
When the incident captain arrived at the airport, he was informed of the previous aborted takeoff. The incident captain attempted a takeoff on a shorter runway at the airport. During rotation, the airplane did not respond to elevator inputs, and the captain aborted the takeoff. The airplane then traveled off the end of the runway and came to rest in mud.
Post-Incident Findings
Following the overrun, the incident captain failed to produce a weight and balance calculation or an accurate count of passengers on board at the time. Wind was reported as variable at 4 knots. When asked why he chose a shorter runway to attempt the takeoff, the incident captain reported that it was the runway in use at the time.
Manufacturer Inspection
The aircraft manufacturer inspected the airplane and did not find any discrepancies pertaining to the aborted takeoff. The manufacturer also computed two weight and balance calculations for the incident takeoff. Both calculations revealed that the airplane was above the maximum gross takeoff weight and outside the forward center-of-gravity envelope.
Subsequent Flight
Subsequently, the airplane took off with no passengers on board and flew uneventfully to another airport.