Casualties unknown

1990-07-26: Beech 36 (N7546N) — Ellenton, FL

Ellenton, FL, US

On July 26, 1990, a Beech 36 (registration N7546N) was involved in an aviation accident near Ellenton, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER TAKEOFF PROCEDURE BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a second takeoff attempt with partial flaps, the pilot rotated at 75 mph but the airplane failed to become airborne, departing the runway and striking a fence, ditch, and embankment before coming to rest with its tail in a pond.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated a takeoff but aborted the first attempt. During the ground roll of the second attempt, with partial flaps lowered, the pilot attempted to rotate at approximately 75 mph. The airplane did not become airborne and continued forward, departing the runway. It struck a fence, then a ditch. Contact with the ditch separated the left main landing gear. The airplane continued forward and collided with a 6-foot-high embankment. This impact caused the airplane to become momentarily airborne, turn 180 degrees, and touch down again. It came to rest with the empennage (tail section) in a nearby pond. The pilot reported no engine failure or malfunction during the event.

Soft Field Takeoff Procedure Reference

According to FAA Advisory Circular 61-21A, the correct soft field takeoff procedure involves holding aft elevator pressure during the ground roll. This increases the angle of attack, transferring the airplane's weight from the wheels to the wings. After becoming airborne, the pilot should remain in ground effect to accelerate to VX or VY before climbing out. The source does not state that the pilot followed or deviated from this procedure, nor does it provide a probable cause for the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23767. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.