The Accident
An airplane attempted to take off from runway 18 at Chicago-Merrill C. Meigs Airport. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to become airborne, overran the runway end, and crashed into Lake Michigan. The airplane came to rest in approximately 25 feet of water, about 300 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The impact resulted in the death of the pilot and one passenger, while four other occupants sustained serious injuries.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the flightcrew did not release the parking brake before beginning the takeoff roll. This oversight caused significant drag from the wheels and brakes, as well as a nosedown pitching moment. The resulting aerodynamic forces inhibited the aircraft's ability to accelerate normally and to rotate for a successful takeoff.
Contributing Factors
A contributing factor identified in the investigation was the absence of adequate company checklist procedures to ensure that the parking brakes were released in a timely manner before takeoff.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the flightcrew's failure to release the parking brake before the takeoff roll was started, which resulted in significant wheel/brake drag and a nosedown pitching moment that inhibited the aircraft's capability to effect a normal acceleration and rotation for takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the lack of adequate company checklist procedures to ensure the timely release of the parking brakes.