Introduction
The accident involved a Beech A36TP Bonanza, registration N7205T, serial number E-2182, manufactured in 1984. It was powered by a single Rolls-Royce/Allison 250B-17F2 turboprop engine. The aircraft was a conversion of the original piston-engined Beech A36 Bonanza, incorporating a US Supplemental Type Certificate that added wingtip tanks, increasing fuel capacity from 74 to 114 US gallons.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The private flight departed from Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire, with one pilot and four passengers on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 53 years old, with a total flying experience of 2,766 hours, including 1,635 hours on the accident aircraft type. In the previous 90 days, he had flown 23 hours, with 9 hours in the last 28 days. The aircraft had a maximum takeoff weight of 3,833 lbs and a basic weight of 2,630 lbs. For the flight, the pilot calculated fuel weight at 544 lbs for 81 US gallons, occupants at 596 lbs, and baggage at 10 lbs, resulting in a takeoff weight of 3,780 lbs.
Flight History
During the takeoff roll, the pilot observed birds on the runway ahead. He reduced power as the birds passed on either side, then increased power and rotated to a climbing attitude. Witnesses on the ground noted an unusually long takeoff roll, after which the aircraft leveled off at about 100 ft, flew level briefly, then pitched nose-up into a climb. They then observed what appeared to be the right wing dropping before the aircraft descended out of sight. The pilot stated that after leveling at 100 ft to retract the landing gear, he resumed climbing. At an altitude of 300-400 ft, he noticed the engine torque gauge reading zero. He attempted to turn back toward the airfield but recognized insufficient height and airspeed. He instead prepared for a wheels-up forced landing in a field containing tall maize. The impact was described as heavy; there was no fire, and the pilot and passengers exited normally without injury.
Aftermath
Examination of the airframe and engine intake and compressor revealed no evidence of bird impact or ingestion. At the time of the bulletin, a detailed engine examination had not been conducted. The pilot believed the engine lost power during the climb and that the eyewitness observations were consistent with his recollection, attributing the sequence to the presence of birds.