Runway excursion during aborted takeoff due to parking brake error

No fatalities • El Monte-San Gabriel Valley, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a perimeter fence after the pilot failed to fully disengage the parking brake during the takeoff roll.

What happened

While positioned at the holding point awaiting takeoff clearance, the pilot engaged the parking brake. Once clearance was granted, the pilot attempted to release the brake by pushing the handle back; however, the pilot did not visually confirm that the mechanism had been fully disengaged.

As the aircraft type began its takeoff roll, the pilot observed that the speed was not increasing past approximately 70 knots. Realizing the lack of acceleration, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff. During this maneuver, the aircraft drifted to the left, leaving the runway surface and exiting the departure end of the runway, where it eventually collided with an airport perimeter fence. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in the incident.

Findings

An investigation into the event determined that the primary factor was the pilot's failure to verify the status of the parking brake. Post-accident inspections of the aircraft confirmed that the parking brake handle remained in a partially extended position. This state prevented the aircraft from achieving normal acceleration during the initial phase of the takeoff roll. The pilot noted that no mechanical malfunctions were present that would have otherwise prevented a standard departure.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to visually verify that the parking brake was fully disengaged before beginning the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-08-31 Cessna 510 Citation Mustang accident near El Monte-San Gabriel Valley, United States of America?

An aircraft veered off the runway and struck a perimeter fence after the pilot failed to fully disengage the parking brake during the takeoff roll.

Were there any fatalities in the 2019-08-31 Cessna 510 Citation Mustang accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-08-31 involved a Cessna 510 Citation Mustang, registration N551WH, operated by Star Jet - USA, at El Monte-San Gabriel Valley, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to visually verify that the parking brake was fully disengaged before beginning the takeoff roll.

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