Cessna 414 N698D accident near Ray, Michigan

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control on takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the preflight, taxi, and run-up were normal and that the brakes of the twin-engine airplane operated normally. He reported that during takeoff, the airplane suddenly veered to the right, which he attempted to counteract with left rudder input. He ultimately decided to abort the takeoff, but, according to the pilot, the airplane was already partially in the grass. It travelled through the grass, turned 90° to the left, and the landing gear collapsed.

A pilot-rated witness reported seeing the airplane taxi onto the runway and that the airplane did not use the displaced threshold as available runway for takeoff. The airplane stopped on the runway and then the engines went to full power. During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered left, then overcorrected to the right, at which time the airplane was going to exit the runway. The airplane became airborne and attempted to fly in ground effect with the wings “wallowing near stall.” One wing dropped and the airplane impacted the ground.

The fuselage sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane was limited due to impact damage; however, there were no preimpact anomalies noted that would have precluded normal operations.

Based on the available information, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane during takeoff.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA372 for the full record.