Pilot Debrief

BEECH B35 near Pearland, TX — 2021-04-03

Final reportCEN21LA176
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Date
2021-04-03
Location
Pearland, TX, USA
Airport
T79
Aircraft
BEECH B35
Registration
N5240C
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to a crack in the No. 1 cylinder for unknown reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that immediately after takeoff he noted a difference in the sound of the engine and that the engine speed started to decrease. The airplane was unable to climb above obstacles along the flight path, and the pilot elected to conduct a forced landing. During the forced landing the right wing struck a tree, and the airplane came to rest in a field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident engine examination revealed a crack between the No. 1cylinder head and bore. The engine likely lost power due to this crack; however, the origin of the crack was not identified.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff upon noticing engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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