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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 23, 1999 · Beech BE23 · N2381Z

Vidalia, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Vidalia, GA
Aircraft
Beech BE23
Tail Number
N2381Z
Operator
Duston Tapely
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL99LA113

The pilot departed the 900 foot pasture despite damage to the leading edge of the wing received in a previous accident and the owners advise not to fly the airplane in its current condition. Upon takeoff, the airplane became airborne and climbed 3 to 4 feet before striking a fence at the end of the pasture. The airplane subsequently yawed 180 degrees and came to rest in a rubbish pile.

NTSB Probable Cause

Pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from an unsuitable pasture. A factor contributing to the accident consisted of previous damage to the leading edges of the wings.

Full Narrative

On July 23, 1999, at 0700 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE23, N2381Z, collided with a fence during an attempted takeoff from a pasture near Vidalia, Georgia. The personal flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the private pilot was not injured. The flight initially departed Vidalia, Georgia, at 0658. According to the an FAA Inspector, the pilot elected to takeoff from a 900 foot long grass pasture despite previous leading edge wing damage from another accident. The FAA stated that upon examination of the airplane, a large dent and torn sheet metal received from a previous accident was noticed near the stall warning vane on the leading edge of the left wing. Landing light covers located on the leading edge of both wings were also found to have been damaged and partially missing from a previous accident. Upon takeoff the airplane became airborne and climbed 3 to 4 feet before striking a fence at the end of the field. The airplane subsequently yawed 180 degrees and came to rest in a rubbish pile. The last annual performed on the airplane occurred in February of 1997, no records of further maintenance were found. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. According to the pilot, additional damage to the airplane included wrinkled wing skin, bent nose gear and main gears, broken engine mount, and propeller damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech BE23
Tail NumberN2381Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDuston Tapely
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 D2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data