What happened
During the takeoff roll on runway 5, an aircraft failed to achieve flight. The plane utilized the entire 4,997-foot runway before exiting the departure end. Following the runway exit, the aircraft traveled roughly 2,257 feet across an open area, passing through a fence and a corn field. The sequence ended when the aircraft entered a depression and struck the terrain.
According to reports from the pilot, the flight was compromised when it was discovered that the gust lock had not been disengaged from the control column. Efforts to release the lock during the takeoff roll were unsuccessful. The subsequent excursion through the field led to an impact with an earthen berm, which caused the landing gear to collapse and resulted in engine failure due to propeller blade strikes.
Findings
- The pilot failed to remove the gust lock from the control column prior to takeoff.
- The aircraft's inability to lift off was directly linked to the unremoved gust lock preventing necessary control movements.