Pilot Debrief

BEECH 35-C33 near Longmont, CO — 2021-07-18

Final reportCEN21LA325
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Date
2021-07-18
Location
Longmont, CO, USA
Airport
LMO
Aircraft
BEECH 35-C33
Registration
N18AR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The airplane’s lack of climb performance after takeoff in high density altitude conditions for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing on a personal flight with a density altitude of 6,804 ft. After takeoff, the airplane’s climb rate “did not look normal,” and the pilot was not certain that the airplane would clear a house located along the departure path. He decided to execute a precautionary landing to a hayfield about 1/3 mile from the departure end of the runway. The pilot retracted the landing gear, and the airplane touched down and slid to a stop on its belly. Airplane performance data indicated that the expected initial rate of climb was about 780 ft per minute. Airframe and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to maintain the published rate of climb or to produce rated engine power. Therefore, the investigation was unable to determine the reason for the lack of climb performance. Regardless, the pilot’s decision to execute a precautionary landing under the circumstances was prudent.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff if climb rate was not normal.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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