On August 12, 1995, a Beech A36 (registration N26774) operated by Ralph D. Golden was involved in an aviation accident near Mckenzie, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to comply with the performance data for the aircraft in his attempt to takeoff, downwind, from the short sod runway, with high density altitude, and with the aircraft weight in excess of the maximum gross weight allowed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a takeoff from a 2,200-foot sod airstrip, an aircraft weighed 122 pounds over maximum gross takeoff weight. It failed to climb above 12 feet and struck trees at the departure end.
Accident Details
The pilot was attempting a takeoff to the north on a 2,200-foot sod airstrip. The aircraft weight was estimated to be 122 pounds over the maximum gross takeoff weight for the aircraft. The pilot's operating handbook indicated that under the existing conditions, the minimum distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle was in excess of 3,000 feet.
Conditions
The wind was reported from 150 degrees at 5 knots, and the temperature was 33 degrees Celsius. The density altitude at the time of the accident was 2,822 feet.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses stated that after liftoff, the aircraft never climbed above 12 feet above the ground. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees at the departure end of the runway.