What happened
During the takeoff roll at Hillsboro-Highland County Airport, the pilot attempted to cancel the departure by applying emergency braking. The twin engine airplane failed to stop before the end of the runway, leading to an excursion into the surrounding area. During the overrun, the aircraft struck several trees and subsequently erupted into flames. The impact and fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. The pilot sustained one injury during the accident.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified a mechanical failure within the engine as a primary factor. Specifically, the ignition system's magnetos failed due to improper alignment. This malfunction was attributed to insufficient maintenance and inspection protocols. Several other environmental and operational elements were noted, including the presence of high obstructions and rough terrain at the edge of the runway. Additionally, the investigation highlighted that the aircraft briefly became airborne during the aborted takeoff attempt and noted a delay in the pilot's decision to stop the sequence.