On April 18, 2007, a Beech 95-B55 (registration N868ST) operated by Phillip W. Cook Aka Scott E. Thomas was involved in an aviation accident near Saranac Lake, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A twin-engine airplane climbed abruptly after takeoff, then turned sharply left and descended nose-down from 300-500 feet. Examination found no pre-existing mechanical or medical issues, but pilot currency could not be verified.
Accident Details
A twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff under unknown conditions. According to the investigation, the aircraft climbed abruptly after departure. Between 300 and 500 feet above ground level, it executed a sharp left turn and then descended nose-first into the ground.
Investigation Findings
Examinations of the wreckage and both engines revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. No medical anomalies were noted with the pilot. The pilot, who owned the airplane, held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. However, no records could be found to substantiate the pilot's recent flight experience or currency requirements.
Pilot Background
The pilot was the registered owner of the aircraft and possessed a private pilot certificate limited to single-engine land aircraft. The investigation was unable to locate documentation confirming the pilot's recent flight activity or compliance with currency regulations.