Accident Ted Smith Aerostar 600A VH-BKS, Monday 8 June 1987

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Date:	Monday 8 June 1987
Time:	14:08
Type:	Ted Smith Aerostar 600A
Owner/operator:
Registration:	VH-BKS
MSN:	60-0375-133
Year of manufacture:	1977
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Cooma-Snowy Mountains Airport (YCOM), Cooma, NSW - Australia
Phase:	Take off
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	YCOM
Destination airport:	YSSY
Investigating agency:	BASI
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
On completion of a lengthy pre-flight inspection of the aircraft and engine warm up, the pilot taxied the aircraft for departure from runway 18. The takeoff roll was commenced following the application of full power, with the aircraft held on the brakes. After rolling approximately 150 metres, the aircraft veered to the left and developed a skid before straightening as it left the runway. Shortly after leaving the runway, the aircraft pitched nose-up and became airborne for a short distance before impacting the ground. No defect was found which could have contributed to the pilots inability to maintain directional control of the aircraft during the takeoff roll. The reason for the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll could not be determined. It is considered that the failure of the pilot to abandon the takeoff prior to the aircraft leaving the runway contributed to this accident.

Accident investigation: