Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the right. He corrected by applying left rudder, but he was unsuccessful. The airplane departed the left side of the runway into grass, and became airborne over a pond prior to impacting a taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures. The reported weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, included wind from 290 degrees at 9 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll on runway 32, the airplane "started going to the right." He applied "full" left rudder to correct, "but could not push back to the right." The airplane departed the left side of the runway into grass, and became airborne over a pond prior to impacting a taxiway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no preexisting mechanical malfunctions or failures. Reported weather at the accident airport, about the time of the accident, included winds from 290 degrees at 9 knots.