Incident Summary
An aircraft operating from Grand Prairie-Hensley Field Naval Air Station experienced a takeoff accident on runway 17. The pilot-in-command initiated the takeoff roll despite an incorrect trim setting, which rendered a successful takeoff impossible. As the aircraft failed to rotate, the crew attempted an emergency braking procedure but could not stop within the remaining runway distance.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft overran the departure end of runway 17, collided with a fence, and eventually came to rest in Mountain Creek Lake. All five occupants on board were injured, with both pilots reported to have sustained serious injuries.
Contributing Factors
The official investigation identified inadequate preflight preparation by the crew as the probable cause. Contributing factors included failure to follow approved procedures, delayed decision to abort the takeoff, an incorrect trim setting, a wet runway surface, failure to use the pre-takeoff checklist, and failure to check the stabilizer trim prior to takeoff. Additionally, the spoilers and drag chute were not deployed during the emergency braking attempt.