BEECH D-45 (T-34B) near Linden, NC — 2011-04-14

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate takeoff performance planning and procedures, which resulted in an attempted takeoff on a grass runway that was not long enough for the given conditions and airplane configuration.

NTSB narrative

The pilot conducted a preflight inspection and a pre-takeoff engine run-up check with no discrepancies noted. He positioned the airplane for takeoff at the end of the grass strip in order to use all of the available runway. The pilot advanced the power and the target rpm was noted as the airplane rolled down the grass strip. The pilot recalled that he rotated about 50 to 60 knots and was about two-thirds of the way down the runway when the airplane climbed about 10 to 12 feet over the runway. The landing gear doors closed and the airplane reached an altitude of about 50 feet; however, both the pilot and passenger reported that the airplane felt like it was not gaining speed or altitude. The airplane started to descend and shortly thereafter impacted a tree stump, tree debris, and the ground. The wreckage examination revealed that the flaps were in the full up position at the time of impact. A review of the airplane’s onboard flight manual, Section III, Normal Procedures, advises pilots that, for a minimum run takeoff, they should “use 75 percent of flaps.” The manual also advises pilots on proper technique, what variables to consider, and instructs them to check performance graph charts for proper takeoff settings and indications. The manual’s performance charts make reference to hard-surface runways but contain no reference to soft (grass strip) field takeoff calculations. The pilot did not mention having performed any calculations for the grass strip prior to the takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot did not perform calculations for grass strip takeoff conditions.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control in flight · Takeoff
• Loss of Control on Takeoff/Initial Climb
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• Photos
• 9 docket documents

Docket documents9

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Reports from Federal Agencies: Inspector's Statements.interview
• Miscellaneous: Excerpt from the Accident Airplane Onboard Flight Manual.other
• Miscellaneous: HRJ Weather Station METER at the Time of the Accident.other
• Miscellaneous: Records of Conversation.other
• Photo 1) Side View of the Wreckage. Photo Provided by the Federal Aviation Administration.photos
• Photo 2)View of the Wreckage from the aft side of the Airplane. Photo Provided by Federal Aviation Administration.photos
• Photo 3) View of the Propeller Blades with Power Signature Marks. Photo Provide by the Federal Aviation Administration.photos
• Photo 4) View of Where the Airplane Came to Rest With a Back Ground View of the Departing Grass Strip. Photo Provided by the Federal Aviation Administration.photos

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