What happened
A charter operation departing from Malcolm Island experienced a runway excursion during its takeoff phase. In an effort to vacate the runway for an incoming scheduled arrival, the flight crew accelerated the departure sequence. During the takeoff roll, once the aircraft type reached a speed between 60 and 70 knots, the plane began to deviate from its path. The deviation continued for approximately 1,500 feet before the aircraft left the paved surface and eventually stopped.
There were 25 occupants on board at the time of the incident. All passengers and crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft without injury. Following the event, the aircraft was determined to be a total loss due to damage sustained during the excursion.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the loss of directional control was primarily due to unremoved locks that had been left in place prior to the flight.