Accident Overview
On September 6, 2025, about 0859 central daylight time, a Beech 35-C33 airplane, N1310A, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Brookings, South Dakota. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that a moderate vibration began at about 200-300 ft off the ground just after takeoff. He heard a bang and noted a decrease in engine power and thrust. All engine instruments appeared normal except for the rpm gauge, which normally indicated 2,500 rpm but was showing only 2,300 rpm. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane and began a slow turn back toward the airport. He applied full throttle but observed no change.
At one point the pilot heard the stall horn and leveled the airplane. Realizing he would not make the airport, he aimed for a grass clearing. During the landing, the front right seat passenger was knocked unconscious.
Post-Accident Events
After the airplane came to a stop, a post-impact fire ensued. The pilot and rear seat passenger were able to extricate the unconscious passenger from the airplane. The pilot dialed 9-1-1 and handed his phone to the rear seat passenger, who had lost his phone in the cockpit, to complete the call. The pilot and the other passenger, who had regained consciousness, crawled into some tall wet grass to put further separation between themselves and the fire. The airplane was destroyed by the post-impact fire that consumed most of the fuselage and a portion of both wings. The airplane was recovered for further examination.