On August 19, 1995, a Beech C24R (registration N2007C) was involved in an aviation accident near Mineola, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION, AND HIS FAILURE TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE DATA FOR THE FLIGHT. A FACTOR WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot aborted a takeoff after reaching 15-20 feet, citing inability to clear trees. On landing, the left main landing gear collapsed. No injuries occurred among the four occupants.
Event Overview
A commercial pilot initiated a takeoff from a 3,197-foot runway. After the airplane reached an altitude of 15 to 20 feet above the runway, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff because he did not believe the airplane would be able to clear 80-foot trees at the departure end of the runway. The airplane subsequently landed hard, causing the left main landing gear to collapse.
Occupant and Aircraft Status
None of the four occupants were injured during the event. The airplane was found to be within weight and balance limits at the time of the accident.
Pilot Actions and Conditions
The pilot stated that he did not check the aircraft performance data prior to departing on the personal flight. The density altitude was estimated at 3,200 feet at the time of the accident.