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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

November 10, 2002 · Beech C35 · N707D

Reedville, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 10, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Reedville, VA
Aircraft
Beech C35
Tail Number
N707D
Operator
White Oak Enterprises
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD03LA013

The pilot attempted to take off from a grass strip, which was "soft" on the day of the accident due to several days of rain. During the takeoff roll, the airplane's left wheel hit a "soft spot" on the runway, causing the airplane to rotate approximately 30 degrees to the left. The pilot applied right rudder but did not observe any response from the airplane. He then reduced the throttle and applied the brakes. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, and impacted a pole with its right wing. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area, and his failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On November 10, 2002, at 1400 eastern standard time, a Beech C35, N707D, was substantially damaged during a takeoff attempt from Federhart-Ophelia STOLport (VA99), Reedville, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, about 60 knots, the airplane's left wheel hit a "soft spot" on the runway, causing the airplane to rotate approximately 30 degrees to the left. The pilot applied right rudder; however, he observed no response from the airplane. He then reduced the throttle and applied the brakes. The airplane veered off the left side of the runway, and impacted a pole with its right wing. The pilot reported that the runway used, runway 19, was a 2,200-foot-long, 80-foot-wide grass strip which he maintained himself. He stated that the strip was generally "soft" on the day of the accident due to several days of rain. The pilot also reported that he inspected the runway prior to takeoff; however, he did not observe any soft spots. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, substantial damage was noted to the airplane's right wing, and no mechanical anomalies were observed. The pilot's most recent FAA third class medical was issued on January 29, 2001, at which time he reported 2,800 hours of total flight experience. Weather reported at Patuxent Naval Air Station (NHK), Patuxent River, Maryland, 24 miles to the north of the accident site, at 1354, included winds from 200 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 16 knots, 7 miles visibility, scattered clouds at 2,000 feet, and broken clouds at 8,000 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00 EST
Nearest AirportFederhart-Ophelia Stolport (0nm)
Runway19
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width80 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech C35
Tail NumberN707D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWhite Oak Enterprises
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsTeledyne Continental · Eseries185-11 · Reciprocating · 185
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 12 kt, gusting 16 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data