NYC95LA048

The pilot aborted the takeoff on a 3100 ft long runway, which was covered by snow and ice, due to a perception that the engines were not developing full power. He was unable to stop on the runway, departed the end, went through a fence, and struck trees. A full power run was accomplished by the FAA after the accident. No anomalies were found with the engines. The pilot reported he lowered the flaps to full during the aborted takeoff. No specific procedures are listed in the FAA approved flight manual for aborted takeoffs; however, for landings, the flight manual calls for the flaps to be raised after touchdown.

On January 7, 1995, at 0803 eastern standard time, an Aero Commander 560F, N560WM, operated by Robert J. Brocker, overran the runway during an aborted takeoff at Brocker Field, a private airport in Canfield, Ohio. The airplane received substantial damage. The pilot and seven passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated:

I performed all standard preflight checks including draining my sump drains, inside our heated hanger. Outside I then performed standard engine run-up procedures including mag. check, prop check and alternate air checks, and all other before flight checks as provided in the owners manual...At 0803 I started my takeoff roll using open throttles, full rich mixture and the highest RPM. At rotation speed, I was 1000 ft down runway 10 and did not have sufficient power for a safe takeoff. I aborted the takeoff by shutting down the engines and braking. Braking was ineffective. I was not able to stop the airplane before reaching the end of the runway. I struck a wooden fence and some brush....

The airplane and runway 10 were examined by FAA Airworthiness and Operations Inspectors on January 9, 1995. They reported the runway was covered with hardpacked snow and ice, braking action was nil. The nose landing gear and radome were broken off, the leading edge of the right wing and underside of the fuselage were dented and punctured. Wrinkles were found in the fuselage. An engine run, including a magneto check and full power run were performed. No anomalies were noted.

The pilot reported the winds were from the south at 10 knots. The FAA reported the airplane was about 200 lbs under its maximum gross weight.

In a written statement to the Ohio State Police, the pilot stated:

...I was approaching 60 knots and did not believe I had enough power for flight to clear trees on the east side of SR11 [State Route 11]. My front tire had just lifted off the ground and I attempted to abort the takeoff. I shut the power down and lowered to full flaps and braked...

According to the FAA Approved Flight Manual, the procedure specified for landing was, "...Immediately upon touchdown, close throttles, lower nose wheel, pull up flaps and use maximum braking." No procedures were listed for an aborted takeoff.

The pilot reported the runway length as 3100 feet and the airport elevation as 1170 feet.

Takeoff and landing distances were computed using the following criteria; 1000 feet elevation, winds calm, 7500 lbs, air temperature 25 F. The takeoff distance to clear a 50 foot obstacle was 1938 feet.