Event Summary
During preflight preparation for departure from a short field, the pilot failed to remove the Pitot tube covers. As the aircraft started the takeoff roll, the stall warning light began to flicker. The pilot noted that the airspeed indicator was not registering, but did not consider this unusual during the early part of the takeoff roll. The pilot then turned the left stall warning switch off and then back on, but the warning light remained on. Following this, the pilot initiated abort procedures, applying full reverse thrust and brakes. The aircraft overran the runway by approximately 100 feet and continued down a rough embankment, which caused the landing gear to separate.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation findings, the overrun was attributed to the pilot-in-command's inadequate preflight inspection, a blocked Pitot/static system, the pilot's disregard of the non-functioning airspeed indicator, engagement of the warning system, and delayed remedial action. The aborted takeoff was performed. The subsequent collapse of the landing gear was attributed to the downhill and rough/uneven terrain conditions, and overload of the landing gear.