No fatalities

2021-03-11: Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (N80056) — Duotech Services — Franklin-Macon County, United States of America

Franklin-Macon County, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On March 11, 2021, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N80056) operated by Duotech Services was involved in an aviation accident near Franklin-Macon County, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reason for this accident could not be determined based on the available information. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781190133Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, acceleration slowed after 90 knots; pilot aborted at 92 knots but could not stop before runway end, colliding with a fence. Occupants evacuated safely; post-crash fire destroyed cockpit and cabin.

Takeoff and Abort

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll on a 5,000-ft-long runway, after the airplane reached an airspeed of 90 knots, its acceleration slowed. The airplane attained a maximum airspeed of about 92 knots, which was below the planned rotation speed of 100 knots. With approximately 1,500 ft of remaining runway, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. He reduced the power to idle and initiated maximum braking.

Runway Excursion and Collision

The pilot stated that he did not sense the airplane slowing down, but postaccident observation revealed tire marks on the runway consistent with braking. The airplane continued off the end of the runway and collided with a fence before coming to a stop. All occupants exited the airplane safely. A post-crash fire ensued.

Postaccident Examination

Examination of the runway disclosed tire skid marks beginning 1,200 ft from the runway end and continuing into the grass leading to the airplane. Inspection of the airplane showed that the entire cockpit and cabin areas were destroyed by fire. The engines did not exhibit evidence of a catastrophic failure but were otherwise impossible to examine in greater detail due to the degree of fire damage. The parking brake control was found in the off position. All hydraulic brake lines were destroyed by fire, and the main landing gear sustained fire and impact damage.

Braking System Evaluation

Although the tire marks on the runway indicated that some braking action occurred, the extensive fire damage precluded a detailed examination of the braking system. There was insufficient evidence to determine the reason for the runway excursion.

Probable cause

The reason for this accident could not be determined based on the available information.