What happened
During a takeoff from runway 17 at Essendon Airport, the VH-ZCR experienced a delayed lift-off and subsequently entered a substantial left sideslip. While the aircraft initially maintained a shallow climb, the lateral deviation from the runway centerline increased significantly. As the aircraft's performance degraded, it began a descent, ultimately colliding with the roof of a building within the Bulla Road Precinct - Retail Outlet Centre. There were 0 fatalities and no injuries reported in the accident.
The investigation
Investigators utilized ADS-B data and CCTV footage to reconstruct the flight path. The analysis revealed that the aircraft reached its rotation speed of 94 kt approximately 730 meters from the runway threshold, but continued its ground roll for an additional 285 meters before rotating at 111 kt. During this period, the aircraft's track began to veer left.
Engine performance was scrutinized to determine if asymmetric power contributed to the yaw. However, audio frequency analysis and physical evidence from the engine and propeller impact indicated that both engines were producing takeoff power at the time of the crash. Furthermore, there was no evidence of malfunctions within the yaw damper or rudder boost systems.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the rudder trim was set to the full nose-left position at the start of the takeoff, a condition the pilot failed to detect.
- The aircraft's takeoff weight was likely approximately 240 kilograms above its maximum allowable limit.
- The operator's flight check system failed to identify that an incorrect checklist was being used in the procedures manual.
- The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) failed to capture the flight, depriving investigators of critical safety data.
- While some buildings in the precinct exceeded the obstacle limitation surface, the specific building struck by the aircraft was not an infringement of the departure runway's OLS.