On 9 Jul 2019, a Beech 19 B19 was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia Station, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid tall grass along the side of the runway during the takeoff roll, which resulted in his loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff, the airplane failed to gain altitude normally. The right wing may have caught tall grass beside the runway. The pilot aborted, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and come to rest nose down, damaging engine mounts.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane did not gain altitude normally. By midfield, the airplane had climbed only a few feet. The right wing "may have caught" the 4-foot-tall grass that bordered the 40-foot-wide runway. The pilot then aborted the takeoff. The airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to rest in a nose-down attitude.
Damage
Substantial damage was sustained to the engine mounts.
Aircraft Information
According to the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook, the airplane had a wingspan of 32 feet 9 inches.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation