Pilot Debrief

BEECH E-55 near Houston, TX — 2012-08-02

Final reportCEN12LA515
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Date
2012-08-02
Location
Houston, TX, USA
Airport
IWS
Aircraft
BEECH E-55
Registration
N3644A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A damaged ignition harness, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot aborted the takeoff in the twin-engine airplane due to a rough running engine. The airplane exited the end of the runway and struck an embankment. Postaccident examination and testing of the airplane’s left engine revealed damage to the ignition harness and rough operation during a test run. Replacement of the worn harness resulted in normal operation during a second test run. Based on the available information, it is likely that the airplane's left engine experienced a partial loss of power due to the damaged ignition harness. The reason for the damaged ignition harness could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff earlier when roughness was first noticed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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