What happened
During a takeoff attempt, the pilot noticed that the airspeed indicator reached approximately 80 miles per hour but failed to increase further. In response to this indication, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff. Despite the attempt to stop, the aircraft could not be halted before exiting the runway. The plane traveled past the end of the runway, crossed a berm, and came to rest in a nearby drainage ravine.
Investigation of the scene revealed tire skid marks beginning roughly 3,600 feet from the approach end of the runway, continuing until the point of impact. The runway length was measured at 4,553 feet. Calculations determined that the required distance to accelerate and stop was approximately 2,950 feet, while the distance needed for takeoff was about 2,525 feet. The ravine, situated roughly 200 feet from the runway terminus, had been the site of a previous aircraft accident involving a different plane about one year prior.
Findings
Upon recovery of the aircraft from the ravine, investigators discovered that both pitot covers were still attached to the pitot tubes. This-obstruction of the pitot tubes likely contributed to the erroneous airspeed readings that prompted the pilot to abort the takeoff.