Citation Excel Overruns Runway after Failing To Rotate

A Cessna Citation Excel overran the runway, struck a snow berm, and collapsed its landing gear on February 6 after it failed to rotate when the pilot applied back pressure during the takeoff roll at Stuart Powell Field (KDVK) in Danville, Kentucky, according to the NTSB preliminary report. The two pilots and two passengers onboard were not injured. 

The crew planned to depart KDVK for Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport (KBWG) in Kentucky to pick up a passenger, then continue to Fort Wayne International Airport (KFWA) in Indiana. The airplane was being operated on a Part 91 personal flight. 

According to the NTSB report, the pilots completed a preflight walkaround inspection using the checklist, and the weather was checked for both airports. The crew added 5,000 pounds of fuel, bringing the projected takeoff weight to 18,000 pounds. During taxi to the 5,000-foot runway, the pilots completed the before-takeoff checklist, which included verifying flight control position and movement. No aircraft anomalies were noted.

At 103 knots during the takeoff roll, the pilot pulled back on the yoke; however, the airplane did not rotate, and all three landing gear remained on the runway. After confirming the airspeed was above 103 knots with no rotation, the pilot aborted the takeoff.

“The pilot applied maximum braking and deployed the thrust reversers,” the report notes. “The airplane began to slow down, but he knew insufficient runway remained to stop. The airplane contacted a snow berm at the end of the runway, and all three landing gear collapsed.” The airplane then came to rest in a field after traveling roughly another 450 feet. The main landing gear were forced up through the wings, resulting in substantial damage. There was no post-accident fire.

A weather observation at KDVK 10 minutes before the accident recorded visual conditions, scattered clouds at 12,000 feet above ground level, 10 miles of visibility, and wind from 210 degrees at 10 knots. The temperature was -1 degrees C. The crew had filed an IFR flight plan.

The NTSB did not travel to the accident scene. The airplane was retained for further examination. No probable cause has been determined; the investigation is ongoing.