Accident Details
On December 9, 2011, at 1530 central standard time, a Beech model C23 airplane (N6717K) was substantially damaged during a forced landing at Watertown Regional Airport (KATY), Watertown, South Dakota. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was operated by Lake Area Technical Institute under 14 CFR Part 91. The local flight was departing in day visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.
The student pilot reported no abnormalities during the before-takeoff engine check or when applying takeoff power. Shortly after liftoff, at approximately 50 to 100 feet above the runway, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot executed an immediate landing on the remaining runway. The airplane touched down hard, bounced multiple times, and the nose and right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane then swerved to the right and struck a lighted runway identification sign before coming to rest. The firewall and wings sustained substantial damage. After the accident, first responders requested that the pilot reposition the fuel selector and master switch to the off positions.
Aircraft and Engine Information
The aircraft was a Beech model C23 (N6717K), powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4K engine (serial number L-27560-36A). The engine had accumulated 110.7 hours since its last major overhaul, completed on April 12, 2011.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination found fuel in the carburetor and gascolator bowls with no evidence of water contamination. The flexible induction tubing from the air filter housing to the carburetor was unobstructed. Mechanical continuity was confirmed from the cockpit engine controls to the engine components. The engine primer was full forward and locked, and the carburetor heat control was not engaged. The magnetos were properly secured and produced spark when rotated. Spark plugs exhibited normal wear consistent with normal engine operation. During a subsequent operational test run, the engine demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower.
Weather Conditions
At 1553, the airport's automated surface observing system reported wind from 270 degrees at 13 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature -10°C, dew point -21°C, and altimeter 30.29 inches of mercury. The carburetor icing probability chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. CE-09-35 indicated no significant risk of carburetor ice accumulation at any engine power setting under those conditions.