On June 24, 1990, a Beech 23 (registration N2310J) operated by Mike Koogle was involved in an aviation accident near Wheatland, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PERMATURE LIFTOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot attempted takeoff from a gravel strip with calm winds and 8,000 ft density altitude. After early liftoff and drift, the airplane settled, turned abruptly, struck a fence, and came to rest nose down with damage.
Incident Summary
A private pilot attempted to take off from a gravel strip under calm wind conditions with a density altitude calculated at 8,000 feet. The pilot reported that the airplane lifted off early and began drifting to the left. In response, right rudder was applied.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, after lifting off, the airplane settled back onto the strip with the nose wheel turned to the right. The pilot stated that the plane then turned right abruptly, departed the runway, and struck a fence. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
The accident resulted in damage to a wing and the empennage.