Pilot Debrief

IAI 1125 near Fort Lauderdale, FL — 2020-04-24

Final reportERA20LA162
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Date
2020-04-24
Location
Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
Airport
FXE
Aircraft
IAI 1125
Registration
YV3427
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning, resulting in an attempted takeoff in excess of the airplane’s maximum allowable weight given it’s configuration and the temperature.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll and at rotation speed, the airplane did not respond when he pulled back on the control yoke. He tried to rotate again, about 130 knots, which was above decision speed. With no response, he performed a rejected takeoff with maximum braking and full reverse thrust. The airplane departed the end of the runway, proceeded through the paved overrun, and into the grass beyond the runway. The nose gear separated, and the right main gear collapsed. The airplane pivoted to the left and came to a stop in the grass, near the perimeter access road. The airframe sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The pilot was using takeoff performance data for a flaps 20° takeoff, for which the maximum allowable takeoff weight was 22,000 lbs for the temperature at the time (the reported temperature at the time of the accident was 35° C). The pilot estimated that the airplane weighed about 22,620 lbs; however, he did not weigh the cargo on board and did not compute a center of gravity prior to the accident flight. FAA inspectors weighed the cargo with a calibrated scale after the accident. Given the actual weight of the cargo, the total weight of the airplane was about 24,206 lbs, or 2,206 lbs above the maximum weight for that configuration. Additionally, postaccident examination of the airplane, including an operational check of the elevator and trim, did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly. Data download from the digital electronic engine controls also showed that the engines were operating normally and as demanded during the takeoff and accident sequence. Given this information, it is likely that the airplane did not rotate as expected during the accident takeoff because it had been loaded in excess of the weight that was appropriate for the configuration and temperature.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not weigh cargo or compute center of gravity before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 16 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents16

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