What happened
While performing a takeoff roll on runway 19 at Mercedes Airport, a twin engine aircraft experienced a loss of directional control. The aircraft initially drifted toward the right side of the runway before swinging back toward the left. During this sequence, the plane departed the paved surface to the left, causing the undercarriage to separate from the airframe.
The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a vegetated area, where the left wing sustained partial structural failure. Despite the impact, all four occupants managed to exit the wreckage without sustaining any injuries. The aircraft itself was determined to be a total loss due to the extent of the damage.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a lateral deviation during the takeoff phase.
- Loss of control led to the excursion from the runway.
- The impact with the terrain caused the separation of the landing gear and damage to the wing structure.