On May 20, 1972, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration N8643E) operated by RCR Development Company was involved in an aviation accident near Paola, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Premature liftoff on part of the pilot who failed to obtain sufficient flying speed on takeoff. The following factors were reported: - Improper operation of powerplant & powerplant controls, - Aircraft settled back onto runway, pilot retarded only one engine,… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
During takeoff roll, the pilot abandoned the procedure and attempted emergency braking. The airplane overran into a ravine and was destroyed by fire; all 10 occupants escaped uninjured.
Accident
During the takeoff roll at Paola Airport, the pilot decided to abandon the procedure and initiated an emergency braking maneuver. Unable to stop within the remaining runway distance, the twin-engine airplane overran the runway and came to rest in a ravine, where it was engulfed in flames.
Occupants
All 10 occupants—the pilot and nine skydivers—escaped the aircraft uninjured. The airplane was destroyed by the post-crash fire.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a premature liftoff on the part of the pilot, who failed to obtain sufficient flying speed on takeoff. Contributing factors reported include improper operation of the powerplant and powerplant controls, the aircraft settling back onto the runway, the pilot retarding only one engine, and the aircraft sliding down the runway before being destroyed by the post-crash fire.