Loss of directional control during takeoff roll

No fatalities • Donegal Springs, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A pilot lost control of a multiengine aircraft during its takeoff roll, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with an embankment.

What happened

During the initial takeoff roll, the aircraft began to veer toward the right side of the runway. In an attempt to maintain the centerline, the pilot applied leftward corrections and subsequently decided to abort the takeoff. Despite these efforts, the aircraft drifted off the left side of the runway and struck an embankment.

At the time of the incident, the aircraft was operating with a quartering tailwind. Following the event, the pilot described the situation to a mechanic, noting that the aircraft became difficult to manage during the takeoff attempt.

Findings

An investigation into the aircraft's condition following the accident found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions, flight control failures, or issues with the nosewheel steering system that would have prevented standard operation. The pilot lacked prior experience operating this specific aircraft make and model, and had no previous experience with multiengine aircraft featuring engines with a 300-horsepower capacity or greater. Based on the lack of mechanical defects and the presence of a quartering tailwind, the investigation concluded that the pilot lost directional control during the takeoff phase.

Probable cause

The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll, likely due to a lack of experience with the specific aircraft type and the presence of a quartering tailwind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-08-19 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident near Donegal Springs, United States of America?

A pilot lost control of a multiengine aircraft during its takeoff roll, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with an embankment.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-08-19 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-08-19 involved a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601), registration N7108, operated by Kurt Heitmeier, at Donegal Springs, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll, likely due to a lack of experience with the specific aircraft type and the presence of a quartering tailwind.

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