Casualties unknown

2001-08-30: Beech A23 (N3516R) — Stevens Point, WI

Stevens Point, WI, US

On August 30, 2001, a Beech A23 (registration N3516R) was involved in an aviation accident near Stevens Point, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot not obtaining/maintaining aircraft control. 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

An airplane was destroyed on impact during takeoff. A witness observed erratic flight, including a right turn and a sudden flip. The annual inspection had noted leaking fuel tanks and a loose door hinge. No pre-impact anomalies were found. Toxicology was negative for the pilot but positive for ethanol in the passenger.

Accident Details

The airplane was destroyed on impact with terrain during takeoff. The accident occurred at 6:13 local time, with wind reported from 250 degrees at 6 knots.

Witness Account

A witness reported seeing the airplane approximately 3 feet above the ground, describing a slight wiggle as if the pilot were a student. The airplane then began to turn sideways with the right side low, with the wing tip about 20 feet above the ground. Still climbing, the airplane turned right at a steep angle, heading toward runway 21. The right wing tip was estimated to be about 50 feet above the ground when the airplane flipped over onto its back and then dove nose-down to the ground.

Aircraft Inspection

The last recorded annual inspection entry stated: "I certify that this aircraft has been inspected in accordance with an annual inspection and was determined to be in airworthy condition except for [discrepancies] listed." The discrepancies listed were leaking fuel tanks and a loose door hinge.

Post-Accident Examination

An on-scene investigation revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The cabin door remained attached to the fuselage at its hinges, but the door's striker plate was found with its outboard side torn out. Additionally, a gouge was found in the fuselage behind the striker plate.

Toxicology Results

The Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) toxicological report on the pilot was negative for all substances tested. The report on the passenger detected ethanol in blood (86 mg/dL), vitreous (91 mg/dL), and urine (181 mg/dL), as well as acetaldehyde in blood (1 mg/dL) and vitreous (2 mg/dL).

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010907X01889. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.