Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane, engaged in a local sortie from Auburn Academy Airport, experienced a loss of control during the takeoff roll on a grassy runway. The aircraft veered off the runway, collided with a dirt bank, and came to rest in flames. All six occupants evacuated without injury. The aircraft sustained partial destruction due to a post-crash fire.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The aircraft departed the runway surface, struck a dirt bank, and subsequently ignited. The fire partially destroyed the aircraft.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined the probable cause of the accident to be a loss of control on takeoff after the pilot failed to maintain directional control and failed to abort the takeoff. Contributing factors reported include: collision with a dirt bank, airport facilities (runway lighting), reflectors along the runway edge, and grass 6–12 inches in height on the border of the runway.