Last December marked almost a perfect safety year. There was only one airline accident in the U.S. that happened in Denver December 20, 2008. Although there was no fatalities, there were 38 minor injuries. The accident investigation is on going, but there been some preliminary information released. Continental flight 1404 skidded off the runway while trying to takeoff in gusty crosswind conditions. Investigators interviewed the captain, & discovered he used the small tiller wheel to steer the aircraft on takeoff. The tiller wheel is a miniature version of a car steering wheel, but its not intended for use on takeoff. Its used for steering during tight, or wide turns. Most aircraft I flown have a limitation on it that you used it only for taxing, or at taxi speeds. I never heard of anyone using it for takeoff if this is true. I dont think this is a wide spread problem, but it would explain why they lost control of the aircraft on takeoff. The tiller wheel is sensitive, & if you use it for takeoff it becomes more sensitive as you build up speed.