Casualties unknown

2006-07-06: Cessna 305A (N542EZ) — Saratoga, WY

Saratoga, WY, US

On July 6, 2006, a Cessna 305A (registration N542EZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Saratoga, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain direction control during the takeoff roll. 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

Aircraft veered left during takeoff roll despite full right rudder input, departing runway to the right. The right main gear collapsed under the fuselage, causing substantial damage to the airframe.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift toward the left side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying full right rudder pressure; however, this input produced no observable response in directional control. Consequently, the aircraft departed the paved surface of runway 23, moving to the right side.

Upon leaving the runway, the right main landing gear assembly collapsed and folded upward beneath the fuselage. The right wing subsequently struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. No further details regarding injuries or specific airport location were provided in the source record.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the airplane's systems was conducted to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the loss of control. The inspection revealed no anomalies within the aircraft's systems that would explain the lack of directional control response during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060727X01027. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.