Aircraft excursion and terrain impact following takeoff

No fatalities • Lansing-Capital Region, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A pilot lost control of an aircraft during takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent terrain impact after an uncorrected roll.

What happened

Following a standard engine start and taxi procedure, the aircraft was cleared for departure. During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft began drifting toward the right side of the runway, prompting the pilot to apply left rudder to maintain centerline. Upon reaching a speed of 100 knots, the pilot initiated rotation. At an altitude of approximately 30 feet, the aircraft experienced a significant roll to the right. The pilot attempted to counteract this motion with left rudder input but could not provide enough force to stabilize the plane.

As the aircraft drifted off the runway and over a parallel taxiway, the pilot managed to regain partial control by decreasing engine power and banking the aircraft to the left. In an attempt to land on the taxiway, the pilot struggled to determine the aircraft's altitude due to low visibility. This led to a collision with the terrain to the right of the taxiway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot survived the event.

Findings

Investigation into the incident revealed that the rudder trim was set to the full nose-right position prior to the accident. While the pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions, the aircraft had recently undergone an "Event II & Routine" maintenance inspection. This inspection included lubrication and operational checks of the rudder trim system. However, the maintenance documentation lacked instructions for returning the rudder trim control to a neutral setting after the inspection tasks were completed.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an uncommanded roll due to the rudder trim being left in the full nose-right position following maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-08-15 Beechcraft 99 Airliner accident near Lansing-Capital Region, United States of America?

A pilot lost control of an aircraft during takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and subsequent terrain impact after an uncorrected roll.

Were there any fatalities in the 2023-08-15 Beechcraft 99 Airliner accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-08-15 involved a Beechcraft 99 Airliner, registration N261SW, operated by Ameriflight, at Lansing-Capital Region, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an uncommanded roll due to the rudder trim being left in the full nose-right position following maintenance.

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