No fatalities

Aborted Takeoff on Wet Grass Leads to Runway Excursion and Left Main Landing Gear Collapse

Decatur, TX, United States

On June 5, 2009, a BEECH S35 operated by JACKSON STEVEN D was involved in an aviation accident near Decatur, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both pilots' inadequate preflight inspection and failure to identify the presence of dirt and insect larvae in the pitot tube, and the owner-pilot's attempt to turn off the runway and onto the taxiway at an excessive speed during the aborted takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

After an annual inspection, a pilot-mechanic delivered the airplane. The owner-pilot aborted takeoff on wet grass, slid 1,200 feet, turned onto taxiway, left main gear collapsed, and airplane struck trees, damaging left aileron. Dirt and insect larvae found in pitot tube.

Introduction

An accident occurred during an attempted takeoff from a wet, grass runway. The airplane had recently completed an annual inspection and was flown to the owner's location by a pilot-mechanic.

Sequence of Events

According to reports, the owner-pilot entered the airplane with the engines already running and took control from the pilot-mechanic. He then initiated a takeoff. The owner-pilot stated that the airspeed stopped increasing at approximately 60 knots indicated airspeed, leading him to abort the takeoff. During the abort, the airplane slid on the runway for about 1,200 feet. The owner-pilot then attempted to make a right turn onto a taxiway. However, during the turn, the left main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently slid into trees located near the taxiway, resulting in damage to the left aileron.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane was conducted. Investigators found dirt and insect larvae inside the pitot tube. The pilot-mechanic, who had performed the preflight inspection prior to the flight, stated that he did not inspect the pitot tube during that inspection.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotPassengerIncorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

MalfunctionInadequate inspectionEffect on equipment