Accident Details
On December 28, 2021, at approximately 1150 central standard time, a Beech A100 airplane (registration N93GT) was substantially damaged during a forced landing near West Helena, Arkansas. The pilot and four passengers were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a business flight.
Pre-Accident Maintenance
The day before the accident, the airplane underwent maintenance to troubleshoot a propeller feather issue. According to a work order, a mechanic identified an inoperative low-pressure switch on the left engine. The switch was replaced, and multiple ground runs and system tests were performed. No further defects were found, and the airplane was returned to service. The pilot was briefed on the issue by maintenance.
Flight History
On the morning of December 28, 2021, the pilot flew the airplane solo from Batesville Regional Airport (PMU) in Batesville, Mississippi, to Thompson-Robbins Airport (HEE) in West Helena, Arkansas. The pilot reported no mechanical issues during this flight. The pilot arrived at HEE about 1040 and boarded four passengers for a flight to Camilla-Mitchell County Airport (CXU) in Camilla, Georgia. The airplane then taxied to runway 18 for takeoff.
Emergency During Takeoff
Immediately after rotation, the pilot noticed that the engines were not producing normal thrust. Both propellers were going into feather. The remaining runway was insufficient for a safe landing, so the pilot retracted the landing gear and searched for a suitable emergency landing area. He maneuvered the airplane back toward runway 18 but could not slow the descent sufficiently due to low altitude and insufficient thrust. Upon touchdown, the left tire blew, and the airplane skidded onto the grass adjacent to the runway. This resulted in substantial damage to the left wing's spar.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated he was aware of the emergency procedure for unexpected propeller feathering. He reduced power as required to keep the engine within torque limits, but due to low altitude and heavy workload, he was unable to safely remove his hands from the controls to pull the propeller governor idle stop circuit breaker.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane was conducted on February 23, 2023. Examination of the cockpit control pedestal and feathering systems revealed no anomalies. All propeller condition lever controls were intact and had a full range of motion. Both left and right engine throttle controls were intact and had a full range of motion. Examination of all accessible wiring and components within the engine nacelles, the cabin, and rigging under the floor panels revealed no anomalies. Examination of both engines’ propeller governors, FCUs, and beta valves revealed no anomalies.