On September 8, 1980, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N315WN) operated by ABC Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Abilene, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Ground loop, swerved on takeoff due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls on part of the pilot. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During a night takeoff roll at Abilene Airport in poor weather, a pilot lost control, causing a ground loop. The aircraft lost its undercarriage and came to rest on its belly. The sole occupant pilot sustained minor injuries.
Incident
During a night takeoff roll at Abilene Airport under poor weather conditions, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The airplane entered a ground loop, resulting in the loss of its undercarriage. It came to a halt on its belly. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, sustained minor injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a ground loop and swerve during takeoff due to improper operation of brakes and/or flight controls on the part of the pilot.
Contributing Factors
Several contributing factors were reported: wet runway conditions, unfavorable wind conditions, overload failure, and wind gusting at 20 knots.