Accident Description
The pilot conducted an extended taxi from the ramp to the runway end before initiating the takeoff roll with the parking brake still partially engaged. The brakes became excessively hot, causing component expansion. After rolling approximately 3,000 feet, the tightened brakes produced black skid marks from both main gear tires, continuing until the aircraft exited the runway end without achieving flying speed, a total distance of 3,168 feet.
The aircraft's design allowed the parking brake handle to be placed in the released position without actually releasing the brake, giving the appearance of disengagement. The main gear tires were nearly worn smooth during the attempted takeoff, and both main wheel brakes were destroyed by overheating. The aircraft was destroyed upon colliding with trees, rocks, and a fire hydrant at the bottom of a hill beyond the runway. The pilot escaped with serious injuries.
Probable Cause
The official findings identified multiple contributing factors across three occurrences:
- Occurrence #1: Loss of Control - On Ground/Water during takeoff roll/run: airspeed (VLOF) not obtained (pilot in command); inadequate aircraft preflight (pilot in command); procedures/directives not followed (pilot in command); inadequate emergency procedure (pilot in command).
- Occurrence #2: Overrun during takeoff: delayed aborted takeoff (pilot in command); improper use of powerplant controls (pilot in command).
- Occurrence #3: In Flight Collision with Terrain/Water during takeoff: downhill terrain condition; tree(s) object; rough/uneven terrain condition.