He Pulled Both Throttles To Idle And Initiated Maximum Braking

Location: Franklin, NC Accident Number: ERA21LA152
Date & Time: March 11, 2021, 19:53 Local Registration: N80056
Aircraft: Cessna 421 Injuries: 3 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 11, 2021, about 1953 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 421B, N80056, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at the Macon County Airport (1A5), Franklin, North Carolina. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the pilot, this was a planned local flight. The pilot stated that it was a normal start, taxi, and run-up before takeoff. He initiated the takeoff roll and called out speeds in 10 knot (kts) increments looking for a rotation speed of 100 kts. He said the airspeed reached 90 kts and the aircraft acceleration “lagged” while only reaching a maximum airspeed of around 92 kts. He noticed that the runway length was decreasing and elected to abort the takeoff with the remaining runway. He pulled both throttles to idle and initiated maximum braking.

Examination of the runway by a Federal Aviation Administrator inspector, revealed tire skid marks beginning around 1,200 ft from the runway end and continued off into the grass. The airplane continued down a slope, and through a fence before coming to rest. All of the occupants exited the airplane safely and a post-crash fire ensued. The airplane sustained fire and structural damage to the fuselage.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov