Beech 35-C33 N500HT accident near Kingston, Tennessee

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with haybales.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was attempting a take off from a 2,600-ft-long by 40-ft-wide, asphalt runway. He reported that during takeoff roll in calm wind, the airplane used about 800 ft of runway to accelerate to 65 mph. During that time, the pilot maintained a runway centerline direction with “heavy right rudder.” As he moved his right hand from the throttle lever to the yoke to rotate, the airplane turned hard left (about 45°) off the runway and struck haybales, coming to rest upright. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to both wings. The inspector did not find any preimpact mechanical malfunctions to explain the airplane turning left during the takeoff roll. The left main landing gear tire was properly inflated. The left tire rotated, and no brake anomalies were noted. The inspector also established continuity from the rudder pedals, to the nosewheel and rudder steering, with no binding noted. The airplane was not equipped with a rudder trim.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA25LA291 for the full record.