Accident Sequence
On April 24, 2020, about 1518 eastern daylight time, an Israel Aircraft Industries 1125 Astra SP, Venezuelan registration YV3427, was substantially damaged during a takeoff accident at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The pilot, copilot, and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, with an intended destination of Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS), Maiquetía, Venezuela.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 27, at rotation speed, the airplane did not respond when he pulled back on the control yoke. He attempted to rotate a second time at an airspeed of about 130 knots, which was greater than decision speed (V1). With no response to the elevator input, he performed a rejected takeoff using maximum braking and full reverse thrust. The airplane departed the end of runway 27, proceeded through a paved overrun, and into grass beyond the runway. It pivoted to the left and came to a stop in the grass near the perimeter access road, about 1,550 ft beyond the paved surface. The crew and passengers exited the airplane and were met by first responders.
Wreckage Examination
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors examined the wreckage and found the nose and right main landing gear collapsed during the accident sequence. The forward fuselage and right wing were substantially damaged. The passenger cabin was loaded with cargo. First responders observed fuel leaking from the right-wing fuel tank.
An operational check of the elevator and trim was performed after the accident; the elevator and trim tab moved freely with no binding. The adjustable stabilizer was set at -7°.
Weight and Balance
The cargo was offloaded and weighed with a calibrated scale. There were no open seats in the cabin; cargo was placed on the available seats. A large box was positioned at the main cabin door, and an adult passenger was seated on the box at the time of takeoff. Cargo was offloaded from the cabin, baggage compartment, and battery compartment. The total cargo weight was 3,778 lbs.
The crew purchased 485 gallons of fuel at FXE. The FAA inspector computed a total fuel weight of 6,798 lbs, resulting in a total aircraft weight of 24,206 lbs, including fuel, cargo, and three adult occupants on board.
The pilot reported that he used the takeoff planning chart for 20° flaps and sea level conditions. He estimated the aircraft weight to be 22,620 lbs and used the 22,000 lbs chart for takeoff, which was the highest weight allowable for that configuration and outside air temperature. Although the pilot completed a company weight and balance/performance form prior to the flight, he stated that he did not weigh the cargo or compute a center of gravity prior to the accident flight.
Engine Data
The airplane was equipped with two Digital Electronic Engine Controls (DEECs), one for each engine. The recorders contained data from the entire accident sequence as well as previous flights. A review of the data revealed that both engines were rotating, operating, and responding to power lever inputs throughout the takeoff and accident sequence. No evidence of a loss of thrust during the takeoff roll was observed. Both DEECs recorded faults consistent with secondary aircraft damage due to the runway excursion.