Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to conduct an adequate preflight and remove the control locks.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Following liftoff the aircraft was not controllable and a forced landing was made approximately 1/4 mile off the departure end of the runway. Examination of the aircraft by local authorities following the accident revealed the control locks were still installed.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 13, 1995, at 1130 central standard time, a Beech F- 35, 3299C, collided with trees one quarter mile off the end of the runway following takeoff from Carroll County Airport, Berryville, Arkansas. The private pilot received minor injuries and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The flight was operating under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this personal flight which was departing for Turkey Knob, Missouri. According to the pilot, he failed to remove the control locks during preflight and attempted to takeoff with the locks in place. This was confirmed by local authorities. -