Runway excursion following uncommanded yaw in commercial aircraft

No fatalities • Salt Lake City, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A commercial aircraft experienced a sudden, uncommanded right yaw during takeoff rotation, leading to a landing gear collapse and runway excursion.

What happened

Following a standard startup and taxi procedure, the crew received clearance for takeoff. As the pilot initiated the takeoff roll and reached a speed of 100 knots, the aircraft was rotated. Immediately upon rotation, the plane underwent an uncommanded yaw to the right. The pilot noted that the right rudder pedal had moved to the floor position.

In an attempt to correct the deviation, both the pilot and copilot applied pressure to the left rudder pedal, but the pedal exhibited very little movement. The pilot also attempted to adjust the rudder trim to regain control, but the rightward yaw persisted. While managing the throttle controls, the pilot successfully brought the aircraft down on the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the left landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to slide onto its left side.

Findings

An inspection of the cockpit following the incident showed that the rudder trim was set entirely to the nose-right position. A subsequent technical examination of the rudder and the rudder trim assembly found no mechanical defects or anomalies that would have prevented the components from functioning normally. Despite these inspections, the reason for the unmanageable right yaw remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The cause of the sudden rightward yaw during the takeoff rotation could not be identified following mechanical inspections.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-06-30 Beechcraft 99 Airliner accident near Salt Lake City, United States of America?

A commercial aircraft experienced a sudden, uncommanded right yaw during takeoff rotation, leading to a landing gear collapse and runway excursion.

Were there any fatalities in the 2015-06-30 Beechcraft 99 Airliner accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-06-30 involved a Beechcraft 99 Airliner, registration N6199D, operated by Ameriflight, at Salt Lake City, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the sudden rightward yaw during the takeoff rotation could not be identified following mechanical inspections.

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