BEECHJET 400A, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA., AUG. 18, 2003–Beechjet N51NP, registered to AC Expeditions and operated by Executive Beechcraft, lost directional control on takeoff from St. Augustine Airport (SGJ) at 7:18 a.m. EDT. The aircraft was substantially damaged, but neither the ATP-rated pilot nor copilot was injured. There were no other occupants in the aircraft, which was operating in VMC on an IFR flight plan.
The captain said the copilot was in control of the aircraft, which was stopped with the parking brake applied at the intersection of the taxiway and Runway 31. After being cleared for takeoff, the parking brake was released and a rolling takeoff from Runway 31 was initiated.
During the takeoff roll, at 105 knots, the airplane turned abruptly 30 degrees to the left, and the captain initiated the aborted takeoff procedure. He applied the brakes, reduced thrust and applied both thrust reversers. In an attempt to maintain directional control he and the copilot applied right rudder input and pumped the right brake, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway about 2,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. One of the main landing gear contacted an arresting cable and the airplane continued onto the grass.
The captain further said that before reaching 105 knots, there were no abnormal engine indications. The anti-skid system tested OK before takeoff and was in the on position. He further said the left main landing-gear tire had good tread remaining before the flight.
According to the assistant airport manager, the available length of Runway 31 on the date and time of the accident was about 6,300 feet due to a previously disabled airplane that was located near the displaced threshold for Runway 31. A black mark on the runway surface from the Beechjet’s left main landing gear tire was noted first beginning about 3,500 feet down from the approach end of the runway, which was approximately 1,850 feet from the point where the airplane began the takeoff roll.
The mark was noted just left of centerline and continued down the runway, arching to the left. Black marks on the runway surface associated with the right and nose landing gear tires were noted beginning about 100 feet from the point where the airplane departed the runway.
The airplane came to rest on the grass south of the south edge of the runway about 1,913 feet before the departure end of the runway. Its left main landing gear tire was deflated but still remained in position on the wheel; the tire was noted to be bald.