Casualties unknown

1996-08-10: Beech 23 (N1823Q) — Wilmot, WI

Wilmot, WI, US

On August 10, 1996, a Beech 23 (registration N1823Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Wilmot, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI) by failing to ensure that the airplane would be able to clear brush and trees near the departure end of the runway. 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 CFI demonstrating soft field operations to a student pilot performed a takeoff from a turf runway. After lift-off, the airplane hit bushes and failed to climb, settling into trees and crashing.

Accident Summary

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a soft field landing and takeoff to a student pilot. After performing the landing, the pilot back-taxied to the approach end of the 1,480-foot turf runway and initiated a takeoff.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff, after lift-off near the departure end of the runway, the airplane hit bushes and could not maintain a positive rate of climb. It subsequently settled into trees and crashed.

Performance Considerations

According to the pilot operating handbook, the calculated ground run for a takeoff on a paved runway was 1,276 feet. The distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle after takeoff from a paved runway was calculated to be 2,211 feet. The actual takeoff was performed from a turf runway that was 1,480 feet long, with obstacles present beyond the departure end.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06453. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.