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July 4, 2011 · Beech 77 · N37148

Jonesville, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Jonesville, VA
Aircraft
Beech 77
Tail Number
N37148
Operator
Thorburn-Gundlach David
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA378

The pilot reported that she was attempting to take off from a cow pasture. She landed the airplane in the pasture the previous day due to a loss of engine power. She reported that the loss of power was due to debris in the right fuel tank, which was subsequently removed by a mechanic. She measured the length of the field and found that it was shorter than is typically required, but elected to continue with the flight due to the downhill slope of the field. The owner of the pasture mowed a path for the takeoff and the pilot and her husband inspected the takeoff area for rocks and other obstructions. She also determined a "no-go" point on the ground in case the airplane did not accelerate adequately. She removed all unnecessary items from the airplane and prepared for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not accelerate as expected. She aborted the takeoff past the designated no-go point and was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with a fence post. The airplane caught fire as the pilot was exiting the cockpit. The airplane received structural damage to the left wing and fuselage and the pilot experienced second-degree burns. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies during the takeoff roll. Although she had previously practiced soft-field takeoffs on paved runways, she had no experience with actual soft-field takeoffs.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surfa-Soft-Contributed to outcome

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that she was attempting to take off from a cow pasture. She landed the airplane in the pasture the previous day due to a loss of engine power. She reported that the loss of power was due to debris in the right fuel tank, which was subsequently removed by a mechanic. She measured the length of the field and found it "shorter than our typical requirement," but elected to continue with the flight due to the downhill slope of the field. The owner of the pasture mowed a path for the takeoff and the pilot and her husband inspected the takeoff area for rocks and other obstructions. She also determined a "no-go" point on the ground in case the airplane did not accelerate adequately. She removed all unnecessary items from the airplane and prepared for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not accelerate as expected. She aborted the takeoff past the designated no-go point and was unable to stop the airplane before it collided with a fence post. The airplane caught fire as the pilot was exiting the cockpit. Structural damage to the left wing and fuselage resulted. The pilot received second-degree burns. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies during the takeoff roll. Although she had previously practiced soft-field takeoffs on paved runways, she had no experience with actual soft-field takeoffs.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 77
Tail NumberN37148
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThorburn-Gundlach David
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time18:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data