On August 11, 1992, a Beech 23-B24R (registration N6540R) operated by Obdam, Peter John was involved in an aviation accident near Walterboro, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS WERE THE SOFT RUNWAY, AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WHICH EXISTED AT THE TIME OF THE ATTEMPTED DEPARTURE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During departure from a 2,400-foot sod airfield, the aircraft encountered a soft spot on the runway, appeared to slow down, and after liftoff struck trees and crashed into terrain. Temperature was 92°F with density altitude above 2,000 feet.
Accident Sequence
The flight was attempting to depart from an airfield with a 2,400-foot-long sod runway. During the takeoff roll, passengers observed the aircraft hitting a soft area in the runway surface. This contact seemed to cause the aircraft to decelerate. Following liftoff, the aircraft flew into trees beyond the departure end of the runway and then impacted the ground.
Environmental Factors
The recorded temperature at the accident site was 92°F. The density altitude for the runway was calculated to be over 2,000 feet.
Passenger Observations
Witnessing the events, passengers noted the aircraft's interaction with the soft runway spot and the subsequent slowdown. They also observed the aircraft's ascent and collision with trees before the crash.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 11 Aug 1992 Beech 23-B24R accident near Walterboro, SC?
During departure from a 2,400-foot sod airfield, the aircraft encountered a soft spot on the runway, appeared to slow down, and after liftoff struck trees and crashed into terrain. Temperature was 92°F with density altitude above 2,000 feet.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Aug 1992 involved a Beech 23-B24R, registration N6540R, operated by Obdam, Peter John, at Walterboro, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS WERE THE SOFT RUNWAY, AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WHICH EXISTED AT THE TIME OF THE ATTEMPTED DEPARTURE.
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