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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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May 13, 2001 · Beech D35 · N2118D

Houston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 13, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Beech D35
Tail Number
N2118D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW01LA163

During the takeoff roll, approximately 1,100 feet down the runway, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck the concrete pillar supporting the visual approach slope indicator (VASI). Subsequently, the airplane went through a ditch, crossed a taxiway, and went through another ditch on the opposite side of the taxiway before coming to rest near several above ground fuel tanks. The pilot reported to airport personnel that he had inadvertently placed his right foot on the left rudder pedal during the takeoff roll.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff roll.

Full Narrative

On May 13, 2001, approximately 1400 CDT, a Beech D35, single-engine airplane, N2118D, sustained substantial damage when it collided with an object during takeoff roll from the Houston-Southwest Airport, near Houston, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Neither the private pilot nor his passenger were injuried. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Witnesses and the airport manager reported that the airplane was taking off from runway 9. Approximately 1,100 feet down the runway, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck the concrete pillar supporting the visual approach slope indicator (VASI). Subsequently, the airplane went through a ditch, crossed a taxiway, and went through another ditch on the opposite side of the taxiway before coming to rest near several above ground fuel tanks. The pilot reported that he had inadvertently placed his right foot on the left rudder pedal during the takeoff roll. The FAA inspector, who examined the airplane, found a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 foot tear in the left side of the fuselage aft of the trailing edge of the left wing. Damage was also found on the ruddervator. Both propeller blades were bent aft, and the nose landing gear was collapsed. Numerous attempts were made by the FAA inspector and the NTSB investigator-in-charge to contact the pilot. To date, the pilot has neither responded nor submitted a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 CDT
Nearest AirportHouston-Southwest (0nm)
Runway09
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech D35
Tail NumberN2118D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E-185 · Reciprocating · 185
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data