Aircraft impact on airport grounds following takeoff

1 fatality • Denver-Centennial, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced a leftward drift immediately after takeoff, leading to a climbing and descending turn that ended in a terrain impact on airport property.

What happened

Prior to departure, the aircraft was filled to its maximum fuel capacity and stored in a heated hangar for approximately one hour. The pilot, who was instrument-rated, completed all necessary flight planning, including obtaining a weather briefing and an IFR clearance. During the takeoff phase, environmental conditions including ice fog, low ceilings, and limited visibility prevented air traffic controllers from visually monitoring the departure.

Data retrieved from onboard GPS and radar tracking showed that the aircraft began deviating to the left of the runway centerline shortly after leaving the ground. The flight path involved a climbing left turn that reached a peak altitude of 7,072 feet and covered 217 degrees of rotation. Following this maneuver, the aircraft entered a descending left turn, which ultimately resulted in an impact with the terrain located within the airport boundaries.

Findings

Post-accident investigations confirmed that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions regarding the engine, propeller, airframe, or flight control systems prior to the impact. Testing of the flight instruments, pitot-static system, and autopilot servos yielded satisfactory results. While the pilot's shoulder harness was found attached to the seatbelt, investigators noted that the male component of the seatbelt buckle was broken. No significant findings were noted during the autopsy and toxicology examinations.

Probable cause

The aircraft drifted from the runway centerline immediately after takeoff and entered a descending turn that led to a terrain impact.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-03-26 Socata TBM-700 accident near Denver-Centennial, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a leftward drift immediately after takeoff, leading to a climbing and descending turn that ended in a terrain impact on airport property.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-03-26 Socata TBM-700 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-03-26 involved a Socata TBM-700, registration N300WC, operated by Technical Leasing, at Denver-Centennial, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft drifted from the runway centerline immediately after takeoff and entered a descending turn that led to a terrain impact.

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