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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

September 22, 2005 · Smith Ted Aerostar 601P · N909KF

Mexia, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 22, 2005
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (5 minor injuries)
Location
Mexia, TX
Aircraft
Smith Ted Aerostar 601P
Tail Number
N909KF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DFW05CA247

The 700-hour private pilot flying the twin-engine airplane with four passengers aboard used approximately three-quarters of runway 18 before becoming airborne. After establishing a positive rate of climb, the pilot retracted the landing gear and pitched the airplane for a 92 knot climb. Shortly thereafter the rate of climb decreased and the airplane's control authority began to decay. The pilot responded by applying full throttle to both engines and reduced the angle of attack in an attempt to regain airspeed. The pilot was able to arrest the airplane's decaying airspeed and descent; however, the airplane collided with a barn and then a grassy field before coming to rest in an upright position. The pilot and passengers were able to egress the airplane unassisted and the airplane was engulfed in flames a few minutes later. About 23 minutes after the mishap the weather reporting station 24 miles north of the accident site reported, the wind from 230 degrees at 6 knots, the temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and dew point of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Runway 18 was reported as a 4,002-foot long by 60-foot wide asphalt runway with trees near the departure end. The field elevation at the airport was reported at 544 feet and the density altitude was calculated at 1,860 feet. The estimated weight of the airplane at the time of departure was near its maximum gross weight of 6,000 pounds. The pilot reported that he had not performed a weight and balance check, calculated density altitude, and was not sure of how much fuel was onboard the airplane prior to departure. The pilot further reported that there were no apparent anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the barn. Contributing factors were the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation and the high-density altitude.

Full Narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 CDT
Nearest AirportMexia-Limestone County Airport (1nm)
Runway18
Runway Length4002 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSmith Ted Aerostar 601P
Tail NumberN909KF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 290
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary5 injuries (5 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor5
Uninjured0
Total5
Crew 1Age 45 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind230° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data