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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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July 18, 2021 · Beech 35-C33 · N18AR

Longmont, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 18, 2021
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Longmont, CO
Aircraft
Beech 35-C33 (1965)
Tail Number
N18AR
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN21LA325

The pilot was departing on a personal flight with a density altitude of 6,804 ft. After takeoff, the airplane’s climb rate “did not look normal,” and the pilot was not certain that the airplane would clear a house located along the departure path. He decided to execute a precautionary landing to a hayfield about 1/3 mile from the departure end of the runway. The pilot retracted the landing gear, and the airplane touched down and slid to a stop on its belly. Airplane performance data indicated that the expected initial rate of climb was about 780 ft per minute. Airframe and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to maintain the published rate of climb or to produce rated engine power. Therefore, the investigation was unable to determine the reason for the lack of climb performance. Regardless, the pilot’s decision to execute a precautionary landing under the circumstances was prudent.

NTSB Probable Cause

The airplane’s lack of climb performance after takeoff in high density altitude conditions for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Full Narrative

On July 18, 2021, about 0850 mountain daylight time, a Beech 35-C33 airplane, N18AR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Vance Brand Airport (LMO), Longmont, Colorado. The pilot and passenger sustained serious and minor injuries, respectively. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the preflight inspection and run-up were normal and that, per the high-density altitude procedures, he leaned the fuel mixture before takeoff from the 4,799-ft-long runway. He rotated at 85 mph and initiated a climb; however, the airspeed and climb rate “did not look normal.” He was not certain that the airplane would clear a house located along the departure path and decided to execute a precautionary landing. He retracted the landing gear and entered a right turn to avoid the house. The airplane touched down and slid to a stop on its belly. The airplane impacted a hayfield and came to rest about 1/3 mile from the departure end of the runway. The fuselage and both wings sustained substantial damage consistent with the impact sequence. Post-recovery airframe and engine examinations did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a loss of engine power. Based on the 0855 weather observation at LMO, the calculated density altitude for the takeoff was 6,804 ft. Airplane performance data indicated that the expected takeoff distance to clear a 50-ft obstacle and the expected initial rate of climb were about 2,900 ft and 780 ft per minute, respectively. The pilot reported previous flight experience at high-density altitude airports that included flight instruction for such operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:50 MDT
Nearest AirportVance Brand (1nm WNW)
Runway29
Runway Length4799 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 35-C33
Tail NumberN18AR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-470N · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Basc · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Observation Time08:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data