U-FITAQP: 18) REJECTED TAKEOFF (RTO)
THE DTSB
The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot failed to abort the takeoff early in the takeoff roll, when the aircraft got light and began to pull hard to the left. The pilot had more than ample opportunity to close the throttle and stop and yet travelled a good distance after leaving the runway, but before striking the hangar. The aircraft exploded on impact.
NTSB
Probable Cause issued 8/26/2026 – 24 months after the accident: The pilot’s failure to abort takeoff or compensate for gusty crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent runway excursion.
THE DTSB
The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and condition themselves to become familiar with the reasons for, and methods used in order to reject any takeoff early when any of the conditions are not proper, or when the AQP 50/70 rule has not been met.
NTSB
None issued. NTSB recommendations are rare and usually tied to high-profile accidents.
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