Accident Overview
During the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved to the right. The pilot corrected to the left and aborted the takeoff, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck an embankment. At the time of the accident, a quartering tailwind was present.
Pilot Experience
The pilot held a commercial certificate but had no previous experience in the accident airplane make and model. Additionally, the pilot had no experience in any other multiengine airplane equipped with engines capable of producing 300 horsepower. In a postaccident conversation with a mechanic, the pilot stated that the airplane "got away from him" during the attempted takeoff.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the flight controls or nosewheel steering system that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff with a quartering tailwind. A contributing factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the accident airplane make and model.