On December 26, 1988, a Beech B23 (registration N6100N) operated by Resch, David P. was involved in an aviation accident near Jeffersonville, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S POOR INFLIGHT DECISION IN ATTEMPTING TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT AFTER A PARTIAL ENGINE FAILURE, AND HIS ENCOUNTERING A STALL/SPIN AT LOW ALTITUDE FROM WHICH HE WAS UNABLE TO RECOVER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses reported a partial loss of engine power during initial climb from runway 36. The aircraft turned west, flew low over trees, then made a steep left turn before rolling right and descending steeply into a crash. Examination revealed a loose left magneto and a cracked cylinder head.
Witness Observations
After taking off from runway 36, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power during its initial climb, according to witnesses. They reported that the aircraft then entered a turn to the west and flew over trees located between runways 36 and 14 at a relatively low altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft entered a steep left turn, which appeared to be an attempt to align with runway 14. Witnesses stated that the aircraft then rolled abruptly to the right, entered a steep descent, and crashed.
Engine Examination Findings
An examination of the aircraft's engine revealed that the left magneto was loose and could be rotated in its mount in either direction. When the number 3 cylinder was removed, it was found to have a circumferential crack approximately halfway around the head. Additionally, one exhaust stud was missing from that cylinder, and there was evidence that the engine had been operating with an exhaust leak on that cylinder. The engine had accumulated only 274 hours since its last major overhaul.