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NTSB Report
May 12, 1987 · Beech C-24R · N18880
Chestertown, MD
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Chestertown, MD
Aircraft
Beech C-24R
Tail Number
N18880
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO87LA036
THE PILOT, UNFAMILIAR WITH THE AIRPORT, INTENDED TO PERFORM A TRIAL TAKEOFF RUN TO DETERMINE HOW THE AIRCRAFT ACCELERATED ON THE GRASS RUNWAY. DURING THE TRIAL RUN WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT FELT THE AIRCRAFT WAS READY TO FLY AND DECIDED TO PROCEED WITH THE TAKEOFF. LIFT-OFF AT STALL SPEED OCCURRED ABOUT 3/4 DOWN THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT CLIMB OR ACCELERATE OUT OF GROUND EFFECT AND STRUCK A TREE PAST THE RUNWAY END. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT FULL POWER, THE LANDING GEAR DOWN AND FLAPS DOWN 15 DEGREES WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED. THE PILOT REALIZED, AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THAT HE ATTEMPTED THE TAKEOFF DOWNWIND. THE PILOT STATED HE ATTEMPTED THE TAKEOFF WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY BECAUSE OF AN APPROACHING THUNDERSTORM.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT, UNFAMILIAR WITH THE AIRPORT, INTENDED TO PERFORM A TRIAL TAKEOFF RUN TO DETERMINE HOW THE AIRCRAFT ACCELERATED ON THE GRASS RUNWAY. DURING THE TRIAL RUN WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN THE RUNWAY, THE PILOT FELT THE AIRCRAFT WAS READY TO FLY AND DECIDED TO PROCEED WITH THE TAKEOFF. LIFT-OFF AT STALL SPEED OCCURRED ABOUT 3/4 DOWN THE RUNWAY. THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT CLIMB OR ACCELERATE OUT OF GROUND EFFECT AND STRUCK A TREE PAST THE RUNWAY END. THE AIRCRAFT WAS AT FULL POWER, THE LANDING GEAR DOWN AND FLAPS DOWN 15 DEGREES WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED. THE PILOT REALIZED, AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THAT HE ATTEMPTED THE TAKEOFF DOWNWIND. THE PILOT STATED HE ATTEMPTED THE TAKEOFF WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY BECAUSE OF AN APPROACHING THUNDERSTORM.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFlying Acres (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length2500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBeech C-24R
Tail NumberN18880
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 12 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC