Pilot Debrief

BEECH C24R near Eastover, NC — 2010-08-15

Final reportERA10LA423
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Date
2010-08-15
Location
Eastover, NC, USA
Airport
6NC3
Aircraft
BEECH C24R
Registration
N792Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The uncommanded retraction of the nose gear for undetermined reasons and the pilot's improper decision to continue the takeoff after the propeller began to contact the ground.

NTSB narrative

During the takeoff roll, the airplane's nose gear began to retract and the propeller contacted the runway about halfway down its length. Instead of immediately reducing power to abort the takeoff, the pilot pulled back on the control yoke and the airplane became airborne. He initially continued the takeoff, and then attempted to land on a road located near the runway; however, the airplane struck trees and impacted the ground, before coming to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and its fuselage. Post accident examination of the wreckage, which included the landing gear retraction system, did not reveal any anomalies which would have accounted for the nose landing gear retraction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when nose gear began to collapse.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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