Event Overview
The accident occurred during a takeoff from an airport. The tower controller initially assigned runway 28L, which had a 7-knot headwind. The controller later informed the pilot of a storm approaching from west to east and offered runway 10R. The pilot accepted the opposite direction runway and indicated readiness to depart before the storm arrived.
Sequence of Events
About 4 seconds after the airplane began accelerating during takeoff, the controller advised the pilot of a wind shear alert of plus 20 knots on a 1-mile final for runway 28L. The pilot acknowledged the alert. In a postaccident statement, the pilot noted that departing with a 7-knot tailwind was within the airplane's operating and performance limitations. The pilot reported that after a takeoff ground roll of about 4,000 feet, the left rudder did not seem to function properly, leading to a decision to reject the takeoff. When full braking was applied, the airplane tended to turn to the right. The pilot used minimal braking to maintain directional control. The airplane overran the runway, impacted the airport perimeter fence, and encountered a ditch before coming to a rest. A postimpact fire consumed most of the fuselage. All four occupants evacuated safely.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is: "The pilot's decision to depart with a tailwind as a thunderstorm approached, which resulted in a loss of airplane performance due to an encounter with a significant tailwind gust and a subsequent runway excursion."