Accident Details
On November 22, 2017, at approximately 1040 central standard time, a Cessna 182S airplane, registration N7111W, departed the runway and struck terrain while taking off from Bolingbrook's Clow International Airport (1C5) in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The airplane was registered to Better Living Aviation, Inc., of Wilmington, Delaware, and operated by A&M Aviation of Bolingbrook, Illinois, under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and the flight was local, originating at the airport.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he completed a preflight inspection using the airplane's checklist. He then taxied to the warm-up pad to finish checklist items and configure the airplane for takeoff. After taxiing onto runway 36, he aligned the airplane with the centerline and slowly added takeoff power. The initial takeoff roll was straight, but the airplane began to turn right. The pilot was unable to correct the turn or stop the airplane before it exited the side of the runway. The airplane became airborne, settled, and impacted a ditch, coming to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector responded and noted damage to the nose landing gear, wings, and substantial damage to the fuselage. An examination of the airplane's steering and rudder system revealed no preimpact abnormalities.
Pilot's Additional Remarks
The pilot stated that he did not recall what actions he took when the airplane started to turn or why they were ineffective. He also did not notice any unintended braking or unusual taxi characteristics before the turn to the right.
Weather Conditions
At 1055, the automated weather observation at Lewis University Airport (KLOT), approximately 5 miles south of the accident site, recorded wind from 240 degrees at 4 knots.