Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection and delay in aborting the takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airspeed indicator was not displaying normal values as the airplane accelerated on the takeoff roll. After identifying the airspeed indicator anomaly, she continued the takeoff roll for an unspecified distance before ultimately deciding to abort the takeoff. The pilot noted that there was an accumulation of dew on the grass runway. During the rejected takeoff, the airplane overran the end of the runway and slid down an embankment before nosing-over in a ravine. Both wings were substantially damaged during the accident. A postaccident inspection revealed that the pilot had not removed the pitot-tube protective cover before departure.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the airspeed indicator was not displaying normal values as the airplane accelerated on the takeoff roll. After identifying the airspeed indicator anomaly, she continued the takeoff roll for an unspecified distance before ultimately deciding to abort the takeoff. The pilot noted that there was an accumulation of dew on the grass runway. During the rejected takeoff, the airplane overran the end of the runway and slid down an embankment before nosing-over in a ravine. Both wings were substantially damaged during the accident. A inspection revealed that the pilot had not removed the pitot-tube protective cover before departure.