Runway excursion during aborted takeoff

No fatalities • Franklin-Macon County, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft failed to reach rotation speed during takeoff, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion and fire.

What happened

During a takeoff attempt on a 5,000-foot runway, the aircraft experienced a loss of acceleration once it reached 90 knots. The aircraft failed to reach its intended rotation speed of 100 knots, peaking at approximately 92 knots. Consequently, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff with roughly 1,500 feet of runway remaining. To stop the aircraft, the pilot reduced engine power to idle and applied maximum braking.

Despite the application of brakes, the aircraft did not stop within the runway limits. The plane exited the end of the runway and struck a fence. While all occupants managed to exit the aircraft without injury, a significant fire broke out following the collision. The fire was intense enough to destroy the entire cockpit and cabin areas of the aircraft.

Findings

Post-accident investigations identified tire skid marks on the runway starting 1,200 feet from the runway end and extending into the grass where the aircraft came to rest. While the marks suggested that braking occurred, the pilot reported not feeling a significant deceleration during the abort process.

An inspection of the aircraft's mechanical state was limited by the severity of the fire. Although the engines showed no signs of catastrophic failure, the fire destroyed all hydraulic brake lines and damaged the main landing gear. Notably, the parking brake control was found in the off position. Due to the extensive fire damage, investigators could not perform a comprehensive analysis of the braking system, and the specific reason for the runway excursion remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The specific cause of the runway excursion could not be determined due to extensive fire damage to the braking system and hydraulic lines.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-03-11 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident near Franklin-Macon County, United States of America?

An aircraft failed to reach rotation speed during takeoff, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion and fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 2021-03-11 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-03-11 involved a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II, registration N80056, operated by Duotech Services, at Franklin-Macon County, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The specific cause of the runway excursion could not be determined due to extensive fire damage to the braking system and hydraulic lines.

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