What happened
During a nighttime takeoff attempt, the aircraft failed to stop within the confines of the runway. After the takeoff was aborted, the plane exited the end of the 4,987-foot runway, crossed an embankment, and struck a guardrail located on an airport service road approximately 30 feet below the runway level.
Witnesses at the scene noted that the aircraft was moving down the runway at an unexpectedly high velocity. While the engine noise appeared normal and the plane did not lift off, observers heard a sudden drop in engine power accompanied by the sound of tires screeching. Evidence of braking was present in the form of skid marks covering the final 1,000 feet of the runway.
Findings
An investigation into the wreckage revealed that the gust lock/control lock was engaged on the pilot's control column at the time of the accident. Based on the manufacturer's specifications for the prevailing environmental conditions, the required takeoff distance was 1,620 feet, while the necessary accelerate-stop distance was 2,945 feet.