N5118Q

On July 22, 2004, approximately 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna T210L single-engine airplane, N5118Q, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain following a loss of control during takeoff roll from Robert R. Wells, Jr. Airport (66R), Columbus, Texas. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured, and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned by a private individual and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight was departing at the time of the accident, and was destined for Richard Lloyd Jones, Jr. Airport (RVS), Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The pilot, who was seated in the right seat, stated that prior to takeoff, the taxi to runway 15 was uneventful and an initial brake check was normal. Runway 15/33 is a 3,800-foot by 60-foot asphalt runway. While on takeoff roll approximately 1,000 feet down the runway, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway centerline. The pilot then applied right rudder pedal and attempted to correct the drift. Subsequently, the left drift continued and "appeared to worsen as aircraft progressed down the runway." Approximately 2,000 feet down the runway, the pilot attempted to rotate and get the airplane airborne. However, the airplane remained on the runway and exited the runway. The airplane impacted a fence and ditch, flipped over, and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported the wind from 150 degrees at 10 knots.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB From 6120.1/2), the pilot reported he had accumulated 4 hours in the accident airplane.

An Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who responded to the accident site, reported the right wing was buckled, the horizontal and vertical stabilizers were bent. Examination of the airplane's flight controls and brakes by the inspector revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.