On July 14, 2004, a Beech C23 (registration N48DB) operated by William Hetrick was involved in an aviation accident near Morrilton, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft exceeded its maximum gross weight during an upslope takeoff from a grass runway with long vegetation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with powerlines while attempting an upslope takeoff from a grass runway, resulting in a post-impact fire.
What happened
A pilot with 26,000 hours of flight experience attempted to depart on a cross-country flight from a 2,000-foot turf airstrip. During the takeoff attempt on an upslope, the aircraft collided with powerlines that ran perpendicular to the departure end of the grass runway. On the day of the accident, the grass on the runway was approximately 5 inches long. The impact resulted in a post-impact fire that consumed most of the airframe.
The investigation
Investigators determined that the aircraft had exceeded its maximum gross weight of 2,450 pounds by 210 pounds, based on weights provided by the occupants and family members. Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included an air temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a calculated density altitude of 2,845 feet. A post-accident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical defects or anomalies that would have prevented normal flight.
Probable cause
The aircraft exceeded its maximum gross weight during an upslope takeoff from a grass runway with long vegetation.