Casualties unknown

2002-10-09: Beech C24R (N18917) — Newcastle, UT

Newcastle, UT, US

On October 9, 2002, a Beech C24R (registration N18917) was involved in an aviation accident near Newcastle, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to take off from an unprepared surface without adequate clearance, resulting in the left wing striking a tree. 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 pilot landed on a dirt road, dropped off a passenger, and struck a tree during takeoff, causing significant structural damage to the aircraft's left wing and nose gear.

What happened

The flight began with an unconventional landing on a dirt road rather than a designated airfield. Upon touchdown, the pilot allowed his employer, who owned a residence in the vicinity, to disembark from the aircraft. Following this drop-off, the pilot initiated takeoff procedures to depart the location.

During the initial climb phase, the left wing of the airplane made contact with a tree. This impact caused the aircraft to yaw sharply, spinning it approximately 90 degrees to the left. As the plane continued its uncontrolled movement, it struck a rock on the ground. The collision with the rock resulted in the nose landing gear being torn off. Subsequent inspection revealed that both wings and the wing spar were bent due to the forces involved in the tree strike and subsequent ground impact.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage confirmed the sequence of events described by the pilot. The damage pattern was consistent with a left-wing strike against a vertical object, followed by a nose-down attitude that led to the nose gear impacting a hard surface. The structural deformation of the wing spars and wings indicated significant stress during the spin and impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to take off from an unprepared surface without adequate clearance, resulting in the left wing striking a tree.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021028X05389. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.