Accident Details
On July 15, 2009, at 1814 central daylight time, a Beech S35 (registration N13W) was substantially damaged during a landing accident at Tuscola Airport (K96), Tuscola, Illinois. The aircraft departed the departure end of runway 9, a 2,660-foot-long by 30-foot-wide gravel surface, and struck terrain. The pilot and sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the pilot had filed an instrument flight plan for the ferry flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight History
The flight originated earlier that day at Edenton (EDE), North Carolina, around 1430, with a planned stop at Pike County Airport (PBX) in Pikesville, Kentucky, for refueling. After departing PBX about 1800, the aircraft proceeded to K96, arriving near 2000.
Landing Attempts
On the first landing attempt, the airplane was high and fast, prompting a go-around. A second attempt resulted in a bounce, leading to another go-around. During the third approach, the airplane touched down approximately one-third to one-half of the way down the runway at a high speed, according to the passenger. The pilot applied brakes but could not stop before the runway end. To avoid a head-on impact with a ditch, the pilot executed a sharp left turn. The right main landing gear and nose gear collapsed, and the right wing came to rest on a road.
Pilot and Witness Accounts
The pilot reported removing his hand from the throttle during the flare, causing the engine to increase about 200 rpm. He later reapplied his hand to the throttle after touchdown. He was cautious with braking due to the oily gravel surface. A witness at the airport observed the airplane touching down near midfield and attempted to advise a go-around via handheld radio, believing the aircraft could not stop within the remaining runway distance.
Examination
Post-accident inspection of the throttle linkage revealed it was contacting the stops, but no discrepancies were found. The throttle cable was disassembled; all components were in place and appeared in good condition.