Mooney M20M N763RC accident near Manville, New Jersey

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll with a variable wind from the right, about 80 knots, he felt the airplane pulling to the left. He stated that he applied right rudder, and turned the control wheel to the right, however the airplane exited the runway to the left. The pilot reported that after exiting the runway, onto the grass, he pulled the power back and applied the brakes as heavily as possible. During the runway excursion, the left wing impacted a steel fence post. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that he was unsure if any mechanical malfunctions or anomalies existed that would have prevented normal flight operation. However the FAA confirmed that there were no anomalies.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA277 for the full record.