Cessna 320 Accident at Turf Runway: Takeoff Climb Ended in Collision and Fire (N227DG)

Accident Sequence and Initial Observations Witnesses reported that the airplane landed and refueled at the airport's self-service station before being taxied to the far end of the displaced threshold area of runway 9, a published 3,000-foot turf runway. Another witness stated that the engines sounded normal for takeoff. During the initial takeoff climb, the airplane veered about 100 feet toward the north from the runway's centerline. It then impacted a telephone pole, while the vertical stabilizer collided with telephone cables at an estimated height of 25 feet above the ground. The airplane came to a stop and impacted the ground flat, and a fire immediately erupted. All on board were able to exit the airplane, with two requiring assistance. ## Pilot Statement and Environmental Conditions The pilot stated that the front-seat passenger fueled the airplane and that he did not know which tanks were fueled or the amounts. He estimated the weights of the passenger and fuel. He had previously flown out of that airport with four passengers during that time of year. He believed the temperature was about 93–95 degrees Fahrenheit at the time of the accident. He recalled that during takeoff the airplane lifted, climbed, and then stopped climbing; it started sinking and was not gaining altitude. He elected to select the landing gear up to clean the airplane. He could not recall a loss of engine power. ## Wreckage and Engine Examination A wreckage examination was conducted by representatives of Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) and the Cessna Aircraft Company with FAA oversight. Examination of both engines did not reveal any abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated power. The four magnetos were examined at the TCM facility with NTSB oversight. Due to thermal damage to the right engine's magnetos, an operational bench test was not possible; with the exception of the thermal damage, no discrepancies were present. The left engine's magnetos harnesses assembly incurred fire damage and were replaced. An operational bench test was conducted and no discrepancies were noted. ## Flight Controls, Fuel Systems, and Weight Data All flight control and fuel systems that were not destroyed were examined. The landing gear was in the retracted position, the flaps were at the 10-degree setting, elevator trim was approximately 5 degrees tab down, and aileron and rudder trim were neutral. Vortex generators were observed on the vertical stabilizer. The left fuel valve selector was observed in the left main fuel tank position, and the right fuel valve selector was observed in the right main fuel tank position. A fuel sample test was negative for water contamination. The weight and balance sheet for the accident airplane showed the useful load at 1,394 lb. The vortex generator installation to the airplane increased the useful load by an additional 300 lb. The combined estimated weight, as per the pilot, of the people on board, fuel, and estimated personal effects and items onboard was 1,803 lb. The 1967 Cessna 320 Owner's Manual does not include takeoff distance performance adjustments for sod runways, tailwind components, or operations in excess of maximum gross weight. ## Outcome One of the passengers succumbed as sequelae of second and third degree thermal burns to 25 percent of body surface area, five days later.