Accident Overview
On November 18, 2024, at 1221 eastern standard time, a Beechcraft A36, registration N8152R, was substantially damaged in an accident near Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured.
Flight Purpose and Initial Phases
According to a pilot-rated passenger, the flight was intended to demonstrate the airplane's flight characteristics to a potential buyer interested in purchasing a share. During the flight, the airplane performed normally with no anomalies reported. After conducting maneuvers in the local area, the pilot and passenger decided to return to Doylestown Airport (DYL).
Approach and Go-Around
The pilot entered the airport traffic pattern at an altitude of 1,400 ft mean sea level. The landing gear was extended, and one notch of flaps was deployed. After turning from base to final leg, the pilot confirmed the landing gear was down, flaps were set to full, and mixture and propeller controls were full forward. During the landing flare, the airplane ballooned to about 20 ft. The pilot initiated a go-around by advancing the throttle to full power and began retracting the flaps and landing gear. Shortly after, the pilot felt the airplane "drop out from under me."
Impact Sequence
The airplane descended and impacted the ground to the left of the runway, then continued sliding onto the ramp, where it struck a parked and unoccupied airplane. The accident airplane's fuselage and left wing were substantially damaged.
Surveillance Video Evidence
An airport surveillance camera recorded the accident sequence. The video showed the airplane in a shallow climb with the landing gear retracted. It then began to descend, with the wings rocking left and right as the airplane deviated left of the runway. As it neared the ground, the nose pitched up before the airplane impacted a grass area between the runway and taxiway.
Investigation
The wreckage was retained for further examination.