Runway Excursion Following Rudder Trim Mismatch (N211PC)

Accident Narrative

According to the pilot's written statement, the airplane departed from runway 05 and immediately veered sharply to the right. The pilot assumed a failure of the right engine and turned to initiate a landing on runway 23. After touchdown, the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied power to the left engine and right rudder, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway. The right main and nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported that he had failed to configure the rudder trim prior to takeoff and that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to properly configure the rudder trim for takeoff and his failure to maintain directional control during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.