N71DF

Substantial
Minor

AERO COMMANDER 680ES/N: 680E-672-12

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
NTSB Number
ERA14CA061
Location
Crescent City, FL
Event ID
20131203X84553
Coordinates
29.438611, -81.576385
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
4
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N71DF
Make
AERO COMMANDER
Serial Number
680E-672-12
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1958
Model / ICAO
680EAC80
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
ABBING FRITS GH
Address
PO BOX 774
Status
Deregistered
City
CRESCENT CITY
State / Zip Code
FL 32112-0774
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane "hesitated" during the takeoff roll due to the added weight of the passengers on board and the grass surface of the departure airstrip. He said he then added "extra" engine power at rotation, and that the left engine accelerated more quickly than the right, which resulted in an adverse yaw to the right and collision with trees along the right side of the runway. The subsequent collision with trees and terrain resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. According to the pilot, there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA14CA061