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NTSB Report

November 1, 2003 · Beech A23 · N8772M

Salem, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 1, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Salem, NJ
Aircraft
Beech A23
Tail Number
N8772M
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04CA019

While departing from runway 01, the airplane lifted off about 1,000 feet down the 1,800-foot long wet turf runway. The pilot felt a "strong breeze, almost a tailwind," and the airplane began to settle downward, touching back down on the runway surface. The airplane then bounced back into the air, and would not climb out of ground effect. The pilot decided not to abort the takeoff, fearing that the nosewheel would sink into the muddy runway and flip the airplane over. As the airplane continued past the departure end of the runway, it still would not climb, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a marsh area. After the accident, the pilot stated that he "should have aborted the takeoff when he first had the chance to." The pilot additionally stated that the maximum allowable gross weight of the airplane was 2,350 pounds, and the takeoff weight at the time of the accident was 2,240 pounds. Review of the Airplane Flight Manual revealed that the total takeoff ground roll, from a level, dry, hard surfaced runway, was about 1,248 feet. No charts were available to compute a ground roll distance from a wet turf runway. The winds reported by an airport located about 7 miles west of the accident site, at 1151, were from 150 degrees at 5 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff after his failure to obtain a proper climb rate. Factors related to the accident were the tailwind conditions, and the wet turf runway.

Full Narrative

On November 1, 2003, at 1155 eastern standard time, a Beech A23, N8772M, was substantially damaged while departing from a private strip, the Rainbows End Airport, Salem, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and a passenger were not injured; however, a second passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which was destined for the Spitfire Aerodrome (7N7), Pedricktown, New Jersey. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he departed from runway 01, which was a 1,800-foot long, 50-foot wide turf runway. The pilot stated that the runway was wet, and "all mud" at the departure end. As the airplane lifted off, about 1,000 feet from the beginning of the runway, the pilot felt a "strong breeze, almost a tailwind." The airplane began to settle downward, and touched down back on the runway surface. The airplane then bounced back into the air, and would not climb out of ground effect. The pilot decided not to abort the takeoff, fearing that the nosewheel would sink into the muddy runway, and flip the airplane over. As the airplane continued past the departure end of the runway, the airplane still would not climb, and pilot performed a forced landing to a marsh area. After the accident, the pilot stated that he "should have aborted the takeoff when he first had the chance to." The pilot additionally stated that the maximum allowable gross weight of the airplane was 2,350 pounds, and the takeoff weight at the time of the accident was 2,240 pounds. Review of a Beech A23 Airplane Flight Manual revealed that the total takeoff ground roll, from a level, dry, hard surfaced runway, was about 1,248 feet. No charts were available to compute a ground roll distance from a wet turf runway. The winds reported by an airport located about 7 miles west of the accident site, at 1151, were from 150 degrees at 5 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:55 EST
Nearest AirportRainbows End (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech A23
Tail NumberN8772M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-346 · Reciprocating · 165
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 62 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data