What happened
During the takeoff roll of a multiengine jet airplane, the pilot flying attempted to rotate the aircraft at rotation speed. After applying back pressure to the control yoke, the nose failed to lift into a takeoff attitude. The captain attempted a second rotation attempt by releasing and then re-applying pressure to the yoke, but the aircraft's attitude remained unchanged. Consequently, the crew initiated a rejected takeoff by reducing thrust and applying full braking. The aircraft subsequently overran the runway, exiting onto a gravel pad where the landing gear collapsed. There were zero fatalities and no injuries reported among the crew and passengers.
Findings
Investigation into the aircraft systems confirmed that the flight controls and control surfaces were functioning correctly, and no mechanical failures in the engines or other systems were identified that would have prevented a normal takeoff. However, several critical operational errors were identified:
- The aircraft was operating at 2,975 lbs over the maximum takeoff weight.
- The center of gravity was positioned near the most forward limit.
- The stabilizer trim was set incorrectly.
- The pilot attempted rotation at a speed 23 knots slower than the required speed for the actual weight of the aircraft.
- The departure runway was 575 feet shorter than the distance required for the aircraft's weight.
It is believed the crew entered inaccurate data into the flight management system, likely by inputting an incorrect runway length or underreporting the weight of fuel, passengers, and cargo. Had the correct parameters been entered, a "FIELD LIMITED" warning would have alerted the crew that the takeoff weight exceeded safe limits. Furthermore, the pilot in command was operating without valid pilot certificates, as his credentials had been revoked two years earlier, and he lacked the necessary type rating for the aircraft.