Accident Details
On April 26, 2016, at 1424 central daylight time, a Cessna 421B, registration N3372Q, was destroyed when it impacted trees and terrain in Foley, Alabama. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, originating from Foley Municipal Airport (5R4), Alabama, with a destination of West Georgia Regional Airport (CTJ), Carrollton, Georgia.
Pilot Actions
During a postaccident interview, the pilot recounted that he taxied out and lined up for takeoff. With brakes engaged, he cycled the propellers and conducted a magneto check at 1,500 rpm, both of which he described as “good.” Oil pressure and temperature were also within normal ranges. He confirmed fuel selectors were positioned to both main tanks, throttles full, mixtures rich, fuel boost pumps on low, and propellers full forward. Flaps were set to the takeoff position, and he released the brakes.
During the takeoff roll, temperatures and pressures were “in the green.” At 75–80 knots, the pilot pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane began to climb. He raised the landing gear but noticed the airplane was not climbing. The airspeed indicator showed 80 knots. The pilot heard a stall warning, pulled back on the yoke, shut off the boost pumps, and lowered the flaps before a hard impact.
After the accident, the pilot found himself inverted. He released his seatbelt, saw fire, and moved to the rear of the airplane. He opened the aft hatch, rolled forward, and landed on his back. Two men helped him up and led him to a nearby building. The pilot stated, “the engines were operating fine and I screwed up.”
Review of the normal takeoff checklist for the Cessna 421B indicated that the minimum control speed (Vmc) was 86 knots, and the break ground and climb out speed was 106 knots.
Witness Account
A witness reported that during takeoff from runway 18, the airplane lifted off at the departure end of the runway, just clearing the airport’s perimeter fence. The airplane was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear trees less than ¼ mile south of the runway. It hit tree tops, impacted a large oak tree with the left wing, then spun into two other large oak trees 30 feet to the southwest. The airplane flipped over, hit the ground, exploded, and was consumed by fire. The pilot exited through the rear entry door, landing on his back.
Aftermath
The pilot refused medical attention but sustained burns and a cut to his left hand. The airplane was destroyed.