NTSB Factual Report

On April 18, 2003, at 0325 mountain daylight time, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, N157CA, operated by American Check Transport, d/b/a Flight Line, Inc., of Denver, Colorado, was substantially damaged when it collided with runway edge lights during takeoff at Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, Utah. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR flight plan had been filed for the nonscheduled domestic cargo flight operating as ACT flight 900 under Title 14 CFR Part 135. The flight was originating at the time of the accident, and its destination was Centennial Airport, Englewood, Colorado.

The following is based on the accident report submitted by the pilot-in-command. "The visibility was greater than 6 miles, but was restricted due to moderate to heavy rain," he wrote. He was cleared for takeoff on runway 35 and he "lined up on centerline for a northbound departure." At near rotation speed (95 knots), he felt a tire blow out. There was some hydroplaning, so he aborted the takeoff and taxied back to the ramp. Airplane inspection revealed substantial damage to the left engine and cowling, propeller, and landing gear. In addition, the pressure vessel was breached.

The pilot surmised that he had aligned the airplane with the left side runway edge lights instead of the centerline lights. He attributed this to his "vision being partially obstructed by moderate rain." Postaccident examination revealed 15 to 20 runway lights were either damaged or destroyed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot improperly aligning the airplane on the runway for takeoff. Contributing factors were the reduced visibility due to rain, and the dark night.