Accident
On February 25, 2011, at 1238 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, registration N739BL, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain shortly after taking off from Andrews County Airport (E11) in Andrews, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was seriously injured. The cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Midland (MDD), Texas.
Witness Account
According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, a witness who was servicing his airplane observed the beginning of the takeoff roll. The witness looked away and then heard the sound of impact. When he looked up, the airplane was off to the side of the runway. All of the wreckage was confined to a small area.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot's accident report, the engine failed at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot stated he was able to maintain a controlled descent until approximately 100 feet AGL, where the airplane stalled and impacted the ground adjacent to the departure end of the runway.
Engine Examination
On May 4, 2011, the engine was examined at the facilities of Air Salvage of Dallas, Texas. No anomalies were found.