14 Jan 2017: BEECH B200 — Optimal Aviation Services — Coalinga, CA

No fatalitiesCoalinga, CA, United States

A Beech B200 veered off a narrow runway and into soft mud during its takeoff roll in Coalinga, California.

What happened

On January 14, 2017, a Beech B200, registration N795DE, was performing a takeoff roll at an airport in Coalinga, California. During the roll, at a speed between 70 and 80 knots, the pilot observed that the engines were not producing full power.

In an attempt to correct this, the pilot advanced the throttles further. This action coincided with the left main landing gear exiting the left side of the narrow runway and entering soft mud. The aircraft then veered to the left, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear. The aircraft came to a stop in the mud. There were no injuries resulting from the accident.

The investigation

The investigation noted that the fuselage and engine firewalls sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures prior to the accident that would have prevented normal operation. Weather conditions at the time were visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 070 degrees at 5 knots.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome