Casualties unknown

2004-04-06: Beech 95-A55 (N686H) — Thomas Fischer — Montague, CA

Montague, CA, US

On April 6, 2004, a Beech 95-A55 (registration N686H) operated by Thomas Fischer was involved in an aviation accident near Montague, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the takeoff climb, which led to a stall/mush. Factors to the accident were the uneven intersection of the two runways, and the pilot's failure to use all of the available runway, and the premature… 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 practicing short field takeoffs and landings on a turf runway experienced a loss of control after a bounced takeoff, resulting in a stall and collision with terrain.

Event Overview

The airplane collided with terrain following an in-flight loss of control. The pilot was practicing short field takeoffs and landings on runway 5/23, a turf runway measuring 2,080 feet in length.

Sequence of Events

The pilot's first landing was on runway 23. After landing, the pilot taxied back to the departure end of runway 23 and departed with 20 degrees of flaps. A right-hand traffic pattern was flown, and the procedure was repeated.

Subsequently, the pilot departed from runway 5. The departure roll started approximately 600 feet from the beginning of the runway. At the intersection of runway 14/32, an asphalt runway, the airplane bounced and became airborne. The airplane climbed to approximately 350 feet above ground level (AGL) and then began a right turn.

Loss of Control

The pilot attempted to correct the right turn with left rudder and aileron input. The airplane shuddered and began to stall just prior to impact into an open field. After impact, the airplane slid 300 feet before coming to rest.

Mechanical Status

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040429X00534. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.