Accident Details
On August 19, 2017, about 1642 eastern daylight time, a Smith Aerostar 601P, registration N7108, was substantially damaged during takeoff from Donegal Springs Airpark (N71) in Marietta, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot, who was repositioning the airplane to New Orleans, Louisiana, for the owner, was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations in visual meteorological conditions; no flight plan was filed.
According to the pilot, after completing a preflight inspection and engine run-up, he taxied to the active runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot corrected to the left and aborted the takeoff, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with an embankment.
Pilot Experience
The pilot was hired by the airplane owner to reposition the aircraft. A mechanic, who conducted a pre-purchase inspection for the owner, reviewed the operation of the airplane's systems with the pilot, including a specific discussion of the steering and braking systems, before leaving the airport. The mechanic later received a call from the pilot about the accident, and during a subsequent conversation the pilot stated that the airplane "got away from him." The pilot told a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he had never previously flown the accident airplane make and model, or any multiengine airplane with engines capable of producing more than 300 horsepower each.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found the right wing buckled and the right main landing gear separated from the trunnion mount. Examination of the flight control system and the nose wheel steering system revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), about 10 miles north of the accident site, included wind from 230° at 5 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, ceiling few at 6,000 feet, temperature 31°C, dew point 19°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.85 inches of mercury. At the time of the accident, the airplane was departing with a quartering tailwind.