What happened
On 30 August 2013, a Beech A36TP Bonanza, registration N7205T, was performing a private flight from Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire toward North Yorkshire. During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed birds on the runway ahead and momentarily reduced power to allow them to pass. After increasing power and rotating, the aircraft climbed to approximately 100 ft with the landing gear retracted.
As the aircraft attempted a subsequent climb to an altitude of roughly 300-400 ft, the pilot observed that the engine torque gauge had dropped to zero. Realising there was insufficient altitude and airspeed to return to the airfield, the pilot executed a forced landing in a nearby field containing tall maize. The impact was described as heavy, and the aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair. Despite the severity of the landing, there were no injuries to the pilot or the four passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden loss of engine power and the potential for bird ingestion. Witnesses on the ground noted an unusually long takeoff roll and observed the aircraft pitch up before the right wing dropped during its descent.
While the pilot believed the engine failure was caused by the presence of birds on the runway, a visual inspection of the engine intake, compressor, and airframe by the maintenance company found no physical evidence of a bird strike or ingestion. At the time of the report, a detailed mechanical examination of the engine had not yet been completed.