History of Flight
On May 27, 2018, at 0840 central daylight time, a Beech P35 airplane, registration N263CE, impacted terrain during takeoff from Millard Airport (MLE) in Omaha, Nebraska. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained fatal injuries, and the airplane was destroyed by a post-impact fire. The airplane was owned by the pilot and operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating from MLE; the destination was unknown.
According to witnesses, the pilot attempted takeoff from runway 30. During the takeoff roll, about 1,300 feet from the departure end of the runway, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and traveled across a grass median between the runway and taxiway. The airplane was briefly airborne during portions of the runway excursion. It then crossed the end of the runway, became airborne, and appeared to stall. The left wing impacted terrain, the airplane cartwheeled, and a post-impact fire ensued. Witnesses added that the airplane looked out of control during the takeoff sequence and that the engine sounded like it was at full power.
Surveillance video from a fixed-based operator at MLE showed the airplane during portions of the attempted takeoff. The video was consistent with witness statements but did not capture the airplane near the end of the runway or its subsequent impact.
During the runway excursion, the airplane impacted several runway and taxiway light structures.
Personnel Information
The pilot and pilot-rated passenger logbooks were not located during the investigation. Flight time estimates were obtained from the FAA's most recent medical applications. The pilot was seated in the left seat. The pilot's brother stated that he did not think his brother flew regularly enough to stay proficient.
Aircraft Information
FAA registration records showed the accident airplane was registered to the pilot on July 8, 2006. The airplane was equipped with dual control columns for elevator and aileron control. According to the pilot's operating handbook, steering is accomplished by rudder pedals through a linkage to the nose strut. Brakes on the main landing gear wheels are operated by toe pressure on the rudder pedals, and brakes were installed only on the left seat rudder pedals. The engine throttle, propeller, and mixture controls were located in the center of the control console below the instrument panel. Maintenance records showed the airplane flew 122 hours from 2011 to the last logbook entry on May 4, 2018.
Wreckage and Impact Information
Postaccident examination of the runway, grass medians, and taxiways showed markings consistent with the airplane's landing gear tires. The markings indicated the airplane departed the runway, traveled through grass, and impacted light structures. Sections of three-, two-, and one-tire track marks were observed at various points during the takeoff roll.
The main wreckage came to rest inverted about 200 feet from the end of runway 30, comprising the fuselage, left and right wings, and empennage, and was destroyed by fire. The cabin door, propeller, engine cowling, and glare shield were located between the runway and main wreckage with minor thermal damage. The cockpit and instrument panel were consumed by fire. The right seat separated and came to rest about 30 feet west of the main wreckage. The engine separated and rested adjacent to the left wing.
Flight control continuity could not be established due to fire and thermal damage; however, cables were found attached to cockpit controls and flight control surfaces. Several control cables were cut by rescue personnel. The nose-wheel landing gear assembly was separated and damaged by impact and fire.
Engine examination showed impact damage and minor thermal damage to the accessory section. The crankshaft propeller flange separated from the crankshaft; the flange remained attached to the propeller hub. The crankshaft fracture surfaces exhibited radial cracks and 45° shear lips consistent with overload failure. Both propeller blades showed forward twisting, s-type bending, leading edge gouges, and chordwise scratches.
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Douglas County Coroner's Office performed autopsies on the pilot and passenger. The pilot's cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head; the passenger's cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and chest. The FAA's Forensic Sciences Laboratory performed toxicological testing. The pilot's tests identified Cetirizine in blood and urine, and Minoxidil in urine. Tests were negative for carboxyhemoglobin and ethanol. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that may cause drowsiness; Minoxidil is used for high blood pressure or hair growth and is generally not considered impairing.
The passenger's tests identified 0.015 ug/mL Lorazepam in blood, 0.024 ug/mL in liver, and 7 ng/mL Fentanyl in blood and liver. Tests were negative for carboxyhemoglobin and ethanol. The passenger was briefly treated at the hospital after the accident. Fentanyl is a prescription pain reliever; Lorazepam is an anti-anxiety medication. Their presence was consistent with postaccident medical treatment.