On August 26, 2003, a Beech C24R (registration N6536C) was involved in an aviation accident near Bend, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The first pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to abort the takeoff. Factors include a fence and a ditch bank located upwind of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane settled back onto the runway, then lifted off again near the runway end before colliding with a fence and impacting a ditch bank, coming to rest west of the runway. No mechanical issues were reported.
Event Description
According to the first pilot's report, the aircraft experienced an abnormal takeoff sequence. Shortly after initial liftoff, the airplane settled back onto the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff roll and reported that the aircraft lifted off a second time near the departure end of the runway.
Collision and Damage
Immediately after the second liftoff, the airplane collided with a fence located at the end of the departure runway. Following the fence strike, the aircraft impacted a ditch bank approximately 250 feet beyond the runway end. The airplane eventually came to rest west of the departure runway.
Mechanical Status
No mechanical difficulties or failures that may have contributed to the accident were reported.