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Gear-Up Landing After Aborted Takeoff Due to Perceived Engine Power Loss and Overweight Condition (N701JK)

Columbus, NE, US

On October 20, 2001, a Beech 58P (registration N701JK) operated by James H. Oppliger was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exceeded aircraft performance and inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot in command. The lack of recent experience in aircraft by the pilot in command was a contributing factor. 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

An airplane landed gear up between a runway and taxiway during an aborted takeoff after the pilot reported left engine power loss. The aircraft was at least 500 lbs overweight. The pilot lacked current flight review and instrument proficiency check.

Incident Overview

During an aborted takeoff, an airplane touched down with its landing gear retracted, coming to rest between the departure runway and a parallel taxiway. The pilot reported that the left engine experienced a 30 percent loss of power, and that the airplane did not seem to have sufficient power to sustain flight.

Weight and Pilot Qualifications

Postaccident weighing of the airplane, combined with the addition of passengers and baggage, revealed that the accident flight exceeded the aircraft's maximum takeoff weight of 6,200 lbs by at least 500 lbs. Additionally, the pilot did not possess a current biennial flight review or instrument proficiency check at the time of the incident.

Passenger Observation

A pilot-rated passenger onboard reported that there were no abnormal engine indications during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Oct 2001 Beech 58P accident near Columbus, NE?

An airplane landed gear up between a runway and taxiway during an aborted takeoff after the pilot reported left engine power loss. The aircraft was at least 500 lbs overweight. The pilot lacked current flight review and instrument proficiency check.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Oct 2001 Beech 58P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Oct 2001 involved a Beech 58P, registration N701JK, operated by James H. Oppliger, at Columbus, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exceeded aircraft performance and inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the pilot in command. The lack of recent experience in aircraft by the pilot in command was a contributing factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011023X02139. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.