Pilot Debrief

BEECH H35 near Tucson, AZ — 2015-03-30

Final reportWPR15LA139
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Date
2015-03-30
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
Airport
TUS
Aircraft
BEECH H35
Registration
N112F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no evidence of a mechanical anomaly that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after takeoff, the engine started to "sputter." He adjusted the fuel mixture control lever but noticed no change in engine performance. He determined that insufficient runway was available to land, so he initiated a forced landing into desert terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane struck vegetation and sustained substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the airplane, engine, and propeller revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation, and the reason for the partial loss of power could not be determined. Review of the airplane manufacturer's climb performance chart revealed that, at the time of the accident, the weather and environmental conditions were within the airplane's takeoff performance limitations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine began sputtering.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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