What happened
Prior to departure for a personal flight, the pilot flying determined the aircraft contained 900 lbs of fuel. He requested an additional 211 gallons (1,413.7 lbs) be added, bringing the total fuel weight to 2,313.7 lbs. Although the pilot was aware that the combined weight of the eight passengers, luggage, and fuel exceeded the maximum allowable weight, he did not perform a weight and balance calculation or evaluate takeoff performance. He did not inform the safety pilot of the specific amount by which the aircraft was overweight.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot applied power but failed to verify the engine settings. The aircraft experienced sluggish acceleration. As the aircraft reached the middle of the runway at 80 kts, the pilot noted the lack of expected speed. After hearing the safety pilot mention "redline," the pilot reduced power. Attempting to rotate the aircraft during the final third of the runway, the pilot triggered a stall warning. He lowered the nose to recover, but the aircraft was too close to the runway end to stop safely. The pilot did not apply brakes or propeller reverse pitch before the aircraft exited the runway.
To avoid an instrument landing system antenna located 500 ft from the runway end, the pilot steered the aircraft to the right. This maneuver caused the left wing to strike the antenna, resulting in the collapse of the nose and left main landing gear and causing both propellers to strike the ground. The aircraft skidded left and came to a rest approximately 680 ft from the end of the 5,500-ft runway. There were no fatalities or injuries reported, and no mechanical failures were identified.
Findings
- The pilot elected to depart while the aircraft was over its maximum gross takeoff weight without calculating expected performance.
- The pilot failed to monitor engine instruments to confirm full takeoff power was applied.
- The safety pilot, who was not trained on this specific aircraft type, was unable to provide necessary performance monitoring during the roll.
- Neither crew member initiated an aborted takeoff until it was too late to prevent the excursion.