Accident Overview
On July 8, 2017, about 0755 eastern daylight time, a Beech C23, registration N6682U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power after takeoff from Bartow Municipal Airport (BOW), Bartow, Florida. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was uninjured. The airplane was privately owned and operated, and the personal flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight destined for Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX), Titusville, Florida.
Flight and Power Loss
The pilot reported that the preflight inspection and initial takeoff were normal. When the airplane was about 200 to 300 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, and the engine momentarily surged, then "quit" again. The pilot landed straight ahead, impacting terrain just past the end of runway 09L. He stated that he departed with 20 gallons of fuel in each tank. The pilot also reported that the airplane had an annual inspection the week before and had flown four or five hours of flight time prior to the accident flight.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The four-seat, low-wing airplane was manufactured in 1983 and equipped with a Lycoming O-360, 180-horsepower reciprocating engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on June 28, 2017, at which time the airplane had 8,785 total aircraft hours. The pilot held a commercial certificate with ratings for airplane single and multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate. He reported 2,651 hours of total flight experience on his most recent application for an FAA third-class medical certificate, issued on August 24, 2016.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination by an FAA inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. Both propeller blades were bent aft nearly 90°. The propeller was manually rotated, valve train continuity was confirmed, and thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders. First responders reported fuel pouring out of the left wing, and the fuel tank was empty during the inspector's exam. Several gallons of fuel remained in the right wing fuel tank. Several ounces of fuel were drained from the carburetor. Further examination of the carburetor did not reveal any mechanical anomalies. The spark plugs displayed normal wear, and ignition spark from the impulse coupling on one of the magnetos was observed for each cylinder in proper sequence. Both the induction and exhaust systems were free from any obstruction or blockage other than crush damage resulting from the accident.
Weather
Weather conditions reported at BOW at 0745 included wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 24° C, dew point 24° C, and an altimeter setting of 30.10 inches of mercury.