# NTSB ATL92LA157: Beech 23-B24R, N6540R, Walterboro, SC, August 11, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1992, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Walterboro, SC
- Coordinates: 32.900569, -80.668998 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9006&lon=-80.6690&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 29, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8644
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA157
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8644/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA157

## Probable cause

THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. FACTORS WERE THE SOFT RUNWAY, AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE WHICH EXISTED AT THE TIME OF THE ATTEMPTED DEPARTURE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DEPART THE 2400 FOOT SOD AIRFIELD. DURING THE DEPARTURE ROLL, PASSENGERS STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED A SOFT SPOT IN THE RUNWAY SURFACE, AND APPEARED TO SLOW DOWN. AFTER LIFTOFF, THE AIRCRAFT CONTACTED TREES ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY AND CRASHED INTO TERRAIN. THE TEMPERATURE IN THE AREA AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WAS 92 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, AND THE DENSITY ALTITUDE FOR THE RUNWAY WAS IN EXCESS OF 2000 FEET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6540R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6540R-1994-11-18), registration cancelled 1994-11-18, S/N MC306 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 23-B24R
- Registry model: [Beech B24R](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-b24r) (registry code 1151253) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MC-306
- Airframe hours: 2698
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Obdam, Peter John
- Registered owner: Bradley, David M.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 18, 1992, 201 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: 8S5, MOUNT PLEASANT, SC
- Airport: NONE, Cattertons Airstrip, runway 29, 2,400 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 70 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHS, 32 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920811033059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920811033059A), Aug 11, 1992: Beech B24R, Walterboro, SC, Substantial damage. Tried to depart soft sod strip with 93 degree heat. Slowed by soft spot on runway,failed to clear trees on climbout

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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