What happened
On August 20, 2024, at approximately 0700 central daylight time, a Cessna 550, registration N689VP, was involved in an accident near Odessa, Texas. The aircraft was operating as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
The flight departed from runway 16 at Odessa Airport-Schlemeyer Field (ODO). During the takeoff roll, a witness with a pilot certificate observed that the engines sounded unusual. As the aircraft reached the final third of the 5,003-foot runway, it was flying approximately 10 feet above the ground in a nearly level attitude when it struck power lines and a one-story restaurant building.
The impact caused the right main landing gear to shear and become entangled in the restaurant's roof. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 yards south of the initial impact, striking two garage areas. A fire occurred following the impact, consuming much of the aircraft. The accident resulted in 2 fatal injuries to the pilot and passenger, and 1 serious injury to a person on the ground.