Summary
The pilot initiated a take-off after last light utilising the headlights of a parked motor vehicle to light part of the strip. Added to the poor lighting available, the windscreen of the aircraft became partially fogged, reducing the pilot's view in the proposed take-off direction. During the take-off run the aircraft began to veer to the left and, although the pilot attempted to abandon the take-off, it ran off the strip and struck a fence.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199302277 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 24/07/1993 |
| Location | Yorketown |
| State | South Australia |
| Report release date | 09/08/1994 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Runway excursion |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-44-180 |
| Registration | VH-BTU |
| Sector | Piston |
| Departure point | Yorketown SA |
| Destination | Parafield SA |
| Damage | Substantial |