Rockwell 114 N314CT accident near Corsicana, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the runway heading during a soft-field takeoff with a tailwind, which resulted in a rejected takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while practicing a soft-field takeoff in light wind conditions, as the nosewheel lifted off the runway, he released the aft pressure on the yoke. The airplane "found" ground effect, and "all felt normal." The airplane then began to drift left, so he applied right rudder, but the rudder input had little effect. The landing gear was not yet retracted, so he landed the airplane on the grass off the end of the runway. During the ground roll, the left wing hit a tree and went through a barbed wire fence.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The automated weather observation system at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 100° at 5 knots. The pilot departed from runway 32.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA403 for the full record.