On December 13, 1980, a Beechcraft G18S (registration N9684R) operated by Deral D. Browning was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta-Fulton County-Brown Field, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Overrun and subsequent collision with trees on takeoff after the pilot delayed action in aborting takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
A pilot was seriously injured when the aircraft overran the runway, struck trees, and burst into flames during a night takeoff. The abort was initiated too late, and the aircraft was significantly overweight with an aft center of gravity.
Accident Sequence
During a night takeoff from Atlanta-Fulton County-Brown Field Airport, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff procedure, but the decision was made too late. The aircraft overran the runway, struck trees, and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed by fire, and the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The probable cause of the accident was an overrun and subsequent collision with trees on takeoff after the pilot delayed action in aborting the takeoff.
The following contributing factors were identified:
Inadequate preflight preparation
Improperly loaded aircraft
Lack of familiarity with the aircraft
Dirty windshield, resulting in restricted vision
The aircraft was at least 1,701 pounds over maximum gross weight
Center of gravity was 7.6 inches aft of the aft CG limit
The pilot had accumulated only 22 flying hours since a 35-year layoff
Frost on a window
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 22 flying hours after a 35-year hiatus from flying.