Accident Summary
On June 24, 2008, at 1515 central daylight time, a single-engine Beech A36, registration N28HN, was substantially damaged when it made a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Runway 18 at Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) in Olathe, Kansas. The certified private pilot, who was the sole occupant and owner, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that he had not flown the airplane for six weeks and planned to practice takeoffs and landings in the local traffic pattern. After a thorough preflight, he experienced difficulty starting the engine, which he attributed to the prolonged inactivity. After three or four attempts, the engine started. The pilot let it warm up longer than usual and noted no abnormalities during the engine run-up. The engine produced ample power for takeoff. However, at approximately 300-400 feet above ground level, the engine "coughed" and stopped producing power. The pilot focused on maintaining control and made a forced landing to a clearing on airport property. He could not recall if he attempted to engage the auxiliary pump.
Witness Observation
A witness on the west ramp heard an engine "misfiring" and observed the airplane in its initial climb. He reported that the engine was sputtering and the airplane was not climbing. It appeared to him that the airplane stalled, causing the left wing to dip. He did not see the impact due to the runway grade. He contacted the control tower but received no response; shortly after, he heard the pilot report that he was okay but the airplane was damaged.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations inspector arrived within 45 minutes. The examination revealed that the left main landing gear had pushed up through the left wing, and the entire airframe was twisted laterally and longitudinally. Both fuel bladders were intact and each tank was filled with what appeared to be 100LL aviation gasoline. The fuel selector was set to the right tank and fully engaged. The mixture was in the full rich position, and the landing gear handle was down and locked.
Engine Examination
On August 5, 2008, an FAA certified airframe and power plant mechanic examined the engine. Fuel drained from both tanks was free of water and debris. The fuel pump was removed; its drive coupling was intact, and the fuel screen was clear. Pressure applied to the fuel system showed the fuel selector valve functioned normally in both left and right positions. The electric fuel pump was tested and provided positive flow to all fuel nozzles. The propeller was removed, and the engine was rotated via the crankshaft. Compression was established on each cylinder, and spark was noted on all ignition leads during the compression check. The induction system could not be examined due to impact damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land and reported approximately 668.7 total flight hours, with 12.7 hours in this make and model.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the airport at 1532 was reported as wind from 200 degrees at 7 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 84°F, dewpoint 68°F, and a barometric pressure of 30.05 inches of mercury.