2 fatalities

1988-06-06: Cessna 340 (N7828Q) — M. C. Services — Georgetown, United States of America

Georgetown, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On June 6, 1988, a Cessna 340 (registration N7828Q) operated by M. C. Services was involved in an aviation accident near Georgetown, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inadequate preflight planning/preparation, exceeded aircraft weight and balance, premature lift-off, inadequate airspeed, and objects (tree and fence). This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781215210Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the airplane failed to climb due to being overweight and an aft center of gravity. The left wing struck trees, the right wing hit two fences, and the aircraft burned. Both occupants were killed.

Accident Summary

The accident occurred during the takeoff initial climb phase. The left-seat pilot had been hired by the right-seat pilot to ferry the airplane from Germany to Turkey. A four-tank ferry fuel system had been installed, but no weight and balance check was performed before the flight.

Accident Details

During the takeoff attempt, the aircraft failed to climb. Post-accident calculations revealed that the airplane was overweight and the center of gravity was aft of the rear limit. The left wing struck trees, and the right wing impacted two fences. After colliding with terrain, the aircraft caught fire. Both occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation findings, the probable cause for the in-flight collision with an object involved the following factors attributed to the pilot in command: inadequate preflight planning/preparation, exceeded aircraft weight and balance, premature lift-off, and inadequate airspeed. Additionally, an object (tree) and an object (fence) were identified as related factors. The subsequent in-flight collision with terrain/water occurred during the takeoff initial climb.