What happened
On 8 March 2015, an Aero Commander 500, registered VH-WZV, was prepared for a charter service from Badu Island to Horn Island, Queensland. The flight was intended to carry five passengers. Prior to the flight, the pilot had completed fuel drains at Horn Island with no signs of contamination and had operated the aircraft for two hours without any noted performance issues.
During the departure from runway 30 at approximately 1330 EST, the pilot performed standard taxi and pre-takeoff procedures. All engine indications appeared normal during the initial takeoff roll. However, as the aircraft reached a speed of approximately 80 kt and the pilot began the rotation, a significant loss of power occurred in the left engine. This caused the aircraft to yaw to the left, though the pilot attempted to correct the direction using right rudder.
Following the power loss, the aircraft descended back onto the runway. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff, reducing power to idle and applying brakes. While the pilot believed there was enough distance to stop, the wet condition of the runway prevented the aircraft from decelerating as quickly as required. To avoid the steep slope and trees located at the end of the runway, the pilot steered the aircraft toward more level ground to the right. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway, striking a fence and vegetation, which caused substantial damage to the airframe. There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the pilot and the five passengers.
Findings
- The takeoff was interrupted by a sudden reduction in power from the left engine.
- The wet runway surface contributed to an inability to stop within the remaining runway length.