What happened
During a Title 14, CFR Part 135 on-demand charter flight, an airline transport pilot was attempting to depart from a 960-foot-long gravel airstrip. The surface of the airstrip was described as rough and uneven. The aircraft was carrying three passengers and baggage at the time of the incident.
Prior to beginning the takeoff roll, the pilot selected 10 degrees of flaps. As the aircraft reached rotation speed, the pilot transitioned to 20 degrees of flaps. However, the aircraft failed to become airborne as it approached the end of the airstrip. In response, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff.
While attempting to stop the aircraft, the pilot applied heavy braking but was unable to prevent the plane from exiting the airstrip. The main landing gear wheels collided with a gravel bar, which caused both main landing gear legs to collapse. There were no injuries reported among the occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the structural damage sustained by the aircraft, which included damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies present with the aircraft prior to the accident.