No fatalities

Instructor Retards Throttles After Cockpit Door Opens During Takeoff Roll; Aircraft Bounces on Runway (N38198)

Gainesville, FL, US

On April 25, 1982, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N38198) operated by Willy Karl Leasing Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Gainesville, FL. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instruction flight, the cockpit door came ajar near lift-off speed. The instructor's abort commands were unheard due to noise. Throttles retarded, the aircraft became airborne briefly, bounced, then landed without further incident. Damage included a damaged right propeller and wrinkles on the right wing and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A flight conducting dual instruction for a multi-engine centerline thrust rating encountered an unexpected event during the takeoff roll. The student pilot, who was the owner of the aircraft, was flying when the cockpit door became ajar. The aircraft was nearing lift-off speed at the time, and the student intended to continue the takeoff.

Instructor Actions

The instructor reported giving two commands to abort the takeoff. However, due to noise from the open cockpit door, the student did not hear these commands. The instructor then manually retarded the throttles to idle power. Despite this action, the aircraft became airborne and subsequently bounced on the runway before the student reapplied power and regained control.

Subsequent Flight and Landing

After regaining control, the student completed a full circuit approach and landed without further incident. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the right propeller and wrinkles on the right wing and fuselage.

Damage Assessment

The aircraft sustained damage to the right propeller and structural wrinkles on the right wing and fuselage. No other damage was reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1982 Beech 95-B55 accident near Gainesville, FL?

During a dual instruction flight, the cockpit door came ajar near lift-off speed. The instructor's abort commands were unheard due to noise. Throttles retarded, the aircraft became airborne briefly, bounced, then landed without further incident. Damage included a damaged right propeller and wrinkles on the right wing…

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 1982 Beech 95-B55 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1982 involved a Beech 95-B55, registration N38198, operated by Willy Karl Leasing Co., at Gainesville, FL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02393. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.