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Aircraft Strikes Airport Fence After Aborted Takeoff (N9310S)

St. Helen, MI, US

On September 3, 2001, a Beech C23 (registration N9310S) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Helen, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper airspeed which resulted in a premature lift-off and subsequent stall/mush. A factor to the accident was the fence. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a short and soft field takeoff attempt, the pilot lifted off in ground effect but the airplane settled back. The pilot aborted and applied brakes, but could not stop before hitting the airport perimeter fence. No mechanical issues were reported.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during a takeoff attempt on runway 18, which was a dry turf surface measuring 2,600 feet by 110 feet. The pilot reported conducting a short and soft field takeoff. According to the pilot, full engine power was set and the yoke was held aft, resulting in the airplane lifting off while in ground effect. Shortly after liftoff, the airplane settled back onto the runway.

Pilot Actions

Upon realizing the aircraft was settling, the pilot aborted the takeoff. Engine power was reduced, the mixture control was set to idle cutoff, and full brake pressure was applied. Despite these actions, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before it impacted the airport perimeter fence.

Additional Information

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was approximately 75 pounds below its certified maximum gross weight. The pilot stated that there were no airframe or engine malfunctions or anomalies. No other details about the aircraft, occupants, or injuries were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Sept 2001 Beech C23 accident near St. Helen, MI?

During a short and soft field takeoff attempt, the pilot lifted off in ground effect but the airplane settled back. The pilot aborted and applied brakes, but could not stop before hitting the airport perimeter fence. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Sept 2001 Beech C23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Sept 2001 involved a Beech C23, registration N9310S, at St. Helen, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain the proper airspeed which resulted in a premature lift-off and subsequent stall/mush. A factor to the accident was the fence.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010914X01946. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.