Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to abort the takeoff roll, resulting in an on-ground loss of control, and on-ground collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the nose wheel steering cable.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot stated that on takeoff roll from runway 32, at about 60 knots and after traveling about 1,500 feet down the runway, the airplane swerved to the right departing the runway. The pilot stated he regained control of the airplane and continued the takeoff roll. The airplane traveled about another 1,000 feet and swerved to the right departing the runway, crossed a ditch, became airborne, collided with the ground, separated the nose gear, damaged the left wing, fuselage, and came to a complete stop. The pilot stated that he did not attempt to abort the takeoff roll due to being at rotation airspeed when the airplane initially swerved to the right. Examination of the airplane by an a & p mechanic revealed the left nose wheel steering cable was hanging down from the landing gear trunion area.
Source record
Factual narrative
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