Accident Overview
During a nighttime takeoff attempt, the pilot aborted the departure but the airplane continued beyond the end of the 4,987-foot-long runway. It then vaulted an embankment and impacted a guardrail on an airport service road 30 feet below the runway level.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses reported seeing the airplane traveling along the runway at an unusually high speed with normal engine sound, and it did not become airborne. They noted an abrupt reduction in engine power followed by the sound of screeching tires.
Examination Findings
Skid marks were observed on the last 1,000 feet of the runway, indicating braking or attempted stopping. Post-accident examination revealed that the gust lock and control lock were engaged in the pilot's control column. According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the takeoff distance required for the ambient conditions was 1,620 feet, and the accelerate-stop distance was 2,945 feet.
Probable Cause
The probable cause determined by investigators was the pilot's failure to remove the control gust lock prior to takeoff and his failure to abort the takeoff with sufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane on the runway.