GAA18CA407

Factual narrative

The pilot of the twin-engine airplane reported that during the takeoff roll on the 3,500-foot runway the airplane's airspeed indicator did not indicate an airspeed, so he rejected the takeoff. He added that, he attempted to brake, but "full braking [was] not initially possible due to lift". Subsequently, the airplane overran the runway onto a downhill grass area and struck a wood fence. During a post-accident inspection the pilot discovered that the pitot tube cover had not been removed before the flight. According to the manufacturer, the typical takeoff roll is approximately 1,336 feet and the approximate landing roll is 1,440 feet. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that his preflight memory list was: fuel, oil, tires, props, and surfaces. He will now add, "chocks, cowl plugs, pitot tube covers". The pilot of the twin-engine airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll on the 3,500-ft-long runway, the airspeed indicator did not indicate an airspeed, so he rejected the takeoff. He added that he attempted to brake, but "full braking [was] not initially possible due to lift." Subsequently, the airplane overran the runway onto a downhill grassy area and struck a fence. During postaccident examination of the airplane, the pilot found that the pitot tube cover had not been removed before the flight. According to the manufacturer, the typical takeoff roll is about 1,336 ft, and the approximate landing roll is 1,440 ft. If the pilot had rejected the takeoff sooner, he likely could have stopped the airplane on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot added that his preflight memory list was: fuel, oil, tires, props, and surfaces and that he will now add "chocks, cowl plugs, pitot tube covers." Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Inspection-Preflight inspection-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Landing distance-Capability exceeded - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Pneumatic system-Pneumatic indicating system-Inadequate inspection - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Fence/fence post-Contributed to outcome
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Sloped/uneven terrain-Contributed to outcome