Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Trees Following Aborted Takeoff with Flaps Retracted (N564B)

Douglass, KS, US

On June 30, 2003, a Beech A35 (registration N564B) was involved in an aviation accident near Douglass, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot rotated the airplane with insufficient airspeed due to the flaps not being deployed. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane sustained substantial damage after striking trees during an aborted takeoff. The pilot reported that the flaps were not deployed, leading to insufficient airspeed for rotation.

Event Description

The accident occurred during an aborted takeoff when the airplane impacted trees, causing substantial damage. The pilot had intended to deploy flaps while taxiing but inadvertently left the flap switch in the up position. During the takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne and immediately stalled. The pilot responded by lowering the nose, but the airplane settled and lost control. It then struck a tree and subsequently a large rock.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, as he taxied, he flipped a switch intending to lower the flaps. However, after the accident, he discovered that the flap switch was still in the up position. He stated that during the takeoff roll, the airplane lifted off and stalled. After lowering the nose, the airplane settled and was out of control. The pilot concluded that he had rotated the airplane with insufficient airspeed for the configuration to sustain flight. The airplane's flaps had not been deployed, leading to inadequate lift at the rotation speed.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage from the impact with the tree and rock. No further details about the specific components damaged were provided.

Probable cause

The pilot rotated the airplane with insufficient airspeed due to the flaps not being deployed.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030701X00973. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.