On March 26, 1989, a Beech B24R (registration N283G) was involved in an aviation accident near New Carlisle, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO CLEAR THE TREES AFTER THE IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WITH AN UNDETERMINED OBJECT. HE ALLOWED THE ALTITUDE TO DECREASE TO THE POINT OF COLLIDING WITH TREES BEFORE INITIATING REMEDIAL ACTION TO MAINTAIN FLIGHT AND LAND THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After a jolt on climbout at 200 feet, the aircraft entered an uncommanded roll. The pilot retracted gear after descending into treetops, regained control, and landed on a grass strip.
Incident Details
Following takeoff from runway 27, the aircraft climbed to approximately 200 feet when the pilot reported feeling a jolt on the controls. As the pilot initiated a left turn, the aircraft began to roll to the right and descend. The aircraft subsequently made contact with tree tops. During the descent, the pilot retracted the landing gear and was able to regain control of the aircraft. The pilot continued the turn and successfully landed on a grass strip at the airport.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported a belief that the left wing had collided with a bird. However, no bird remains were found on the aircraft during subsequent inspection.
Evidence
Examination of the aircraft revealed evidence of a tree strike. The absence of bird remains contradicted the pilot's initial suspicion of a bird collision.