Casualties unknown

1994-10-24: Beech 58 FOXSTAR (N333KS) — Shaw Island, WA

Shaw Island, WA, US

On October 24, 1994, a Beech 58 FOXSTAR (registration N333KS) was involved in an aviation accident near Shaw Island, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING TAKEOFF AND INITIAL CLIMB, WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A Beech 58, modified with a Colemill Enterprise Foxstar STC, stalled and crashed during a night takeoff from an unlighted, uneven, short private airstrip. The pilot's toxicology showed low levels of substances but no impairment.

Accident Overview

A Beech 58 aircraft, which had received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a Colemill Enterprise 'Foxstar' conversion, was being operated at night on a private airstrip. The airstrip was unlighted, uneven, and short. The pilot initiated the takeoff from the north end of the airstrip.

Witness Account

The owner of the airstrip heard the airplane and reported that the takeoff was started with partial power. Approximately five seconds later, the engines sounded as though they were at full power and continued to sound normal until the aircraft crashed.

Impact and Damage

The impact occurred about 100 feet east and 225 feet north of the southern runway threshold. Evidence indicated that the airplane had stalled and crashed in a steep descent. The leading edges of both wings exhibited accordion-style crush damage. Trees near the impact point were undamaged. The flaps were found in a retracted position, and the landing gear was found extended.

Mechanical Examination

No evidence of a preimpact mechanical deficiency was found.

Toxicology Findings

A toxicology test conducted at CAMI showed that the pilot's blood had an ethanol level of 98 mg/dL (0.098%). However, there was evidence of postmortem ethanol production. A urine test showed a low level of benzoylecgonine (0.272 µg/mL). Additionally, chlorpheniramine and pseudoephedrine, both over-the-counter antihistamines, were detected in the pilot's blood, urine, and liver fluid, but at levels that would not have resulted in impairment.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02523. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.