On July 8, 2017, about 0755 eastern daylight time, a Beech C23, 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 the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that was destined for Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX), Titusville, Florida.The pilot reported the preflight inspection and initial takeoff were normal, and when about 200 to 300 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly lost power. He stated he 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 he departed with 20 gallons of fuel in each tank. The pilot reported the airplane had an annual inspection the week before and had flown four or five hours of flight time prior to the accident flight.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the right wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. 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 had 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 following the compression stroke for each of those cylinders. Both the induction and exhaust systems for the engine were free from any obstruction or blockage other than crush damage as a result of the accident.
The four-seat, low-wing airplane was manufactured in 1983 and was equipped with a Lycoming O-360, 180-horsepower reciprocating engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on June 28, 2017, at that 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 a FAA third-class medical certificate, which was issued on August 24, 2016.
The 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.