SR22 pilot under training reported the aircraft would not rotate during takeoff prompting a rejected takeoff. Before the aircraft came to a stop; it veered to the left uncommanded resulting in a runway excursion.
Synopsis
SR22 pilot under training reported the aircraft would not rotate during takeoff prompting a rejected takeoff. Before the aircraft came to a stop; it veered to the left uncommanded resulting in a runway excursion.
Narrative
I was on an instrument training trip with my instructor. We had flown all day with several stops along the way to fly approaches under the hood and stop for fuel and food. The goal of the trip was IFR Training and an IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check). I have been getting an IPC every 6 months for the past 5 years or so.Early the next morning; we departed ZZZ1 and stopped in ZZZ after flying an approach at ZZZ2. We refueled and had lunch and filed a flight plan to ZZZ3 for a missed approach and then a fuel stop at ZZZ4 before heading to ZZZ5. The weather for the entire trip was CAVU with light winds and clear skies. I did the normal pre-flight and runup and everything was normal. I did my normal takeoff briefing which sets an expected takeoff distance; land straight ahead if lose an engine under 600 feet; the CAPS deployment height; and then pull CAPS if between 600 feet and 2;000 feet. ATC cleared us for takeoff on runway XX and we began our takeoff. Engine instruments all were normal but it was taking longer than usual to achieve rotation speed. The runway was 4;300 feet so I then decided to abort the takeoff. I pulled power to idle and applied heavy breaking. It looked like we would stop before the end of the runway but all of a sudden; the airplane veered to the left onto a grassy area next to the runway. I had no idea what happened or why it went to the left. I then thought that perhaps we blew our left tire. We ended up on the grass but we did not hit anything on exit. The tower asked if we were OK and we said we were. I tried to move the airplane in the grass but the grass was pretty thick and we couldn't move. I shut down and waited for assistance. Airport OPs came and they were able to move the aircraft with a tug. On inspection; we did not see any damage to the aircraft and the tires were inflated. It is unclear why we veered to the left and exited the runway. I spoke to A mechanic. The initial thought is that it could be that the emergency brake was partially engaged even though the handles was in the down position and this may have caused the issue getting to rotation speed. The left brake may have then failed which caused the veering to the left. A mechanic will take a look to determine the cause.
Second reporter narrative
This was to be the fifth takeoff on a 2 day; twice yearly IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check) with my client. After my client conducted a thorough pre-takeoff runup; checks and briefing; including our abort point; the tower cleared us for takeoff. After the pilot flying applied power and confirming about 96% power I noticed a 'rumbling' sound seemingly coming from the gear. The acceleration was not as rapid as it had been on all our other takeoffs; and upon reaching our pre-determined abort point I was about to suggest aborting the takeoff when the pilot flying said: ' I can't rotate; I can't rotate'. We immediately pulled the power to idle and started hard braking; as the end of the runway was rapidly approaching. At that point I was personally applying even braking on both wheels. With about 200' of runway left the airplane started an uncontrolled turn to the left. I took my left foot off the left rudder/brake pedal and was pushing as hard as I could on the right brake/rudder pedal; but to no avail. The airplane exited off the runway into the grass on the left side of the runway; where it came to a stop.After shutting down the engine and securing the airplane we exited the airplane. My first thought was to check the left main tire; and found that it was still fully inflated. I also checked the elevator and it moved from stop to stop without any apparent restrictions. As a lineman 'tugged' the airplane onto the pavement I noticed a 'clicking' sound coming from the left main wheel.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.