# NTSB CEN18LA114: Beech 77, N6699B, Odessa, TX, March 1, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 28, 2018, 18:15 local (Mar 1, 2018, 00:15 UTC) - Place: Odessa, TX - Coordinates: 31.92, -102.389999 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9200&lon=-102.3900&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 19, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration; Lubbock FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 96820 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN18LA114 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96820/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96820 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA114 ## Probable cause The pilot’s improper takeoff procedures and his failure to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of experience in the airplane. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 77, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 77, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 77, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 77, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) - [Maintenance/inspections: time limits](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010510): Aircraft › Aircraft handling/service · Not inspected; cases with it: [Beech 77, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010510/cases.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 17 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01010510/cases.md) - [Experience/qualifications: total experience w/ equipment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech 77, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Miscellaneous/other](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900); cases with it: [Beech 77, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 1,556 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/900/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech 77, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Initial climb: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Beech 77, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060); cases with it: [Beech 77, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 1,422 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Beech 77, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=1153007), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot had no flight time in the accident airplane make and model before his personal flight in the airplane. He said that he looked over the pilot's operating handbook (POH), performed a preflight inspection with the owner, and then obtained fuel and performed an engine run-up; no anomalies were noted. During the takeoff roll, the pilot began rotation about 1/2 of the way down the 6,200-ft-long runway at 49 knots, which was below the airplane's rotation speed and stall speed. The pilot stated that he continued the takeoff, and upon lift-off, the airplane's "acceleration and power started to disappear." He lowered the airplane's nose to increase airspeed as the airplane approached the departure end of the runway and then raised the nose gradually, but the stall warning horn sounded; he aborted the climb and executed a slight right bank turn to remain over the airport. He indicated that the stall warning horn sounded, and the airplane "dropped from the sky." Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the propeller blade damage was consistent with the engine producing power at the time of impact. There was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. According to the takeoff performance chart in the POH, at gross weight, the airplane's takeoff distance ground roll and takeoff distance over a 50-ft obstacle were about 900 ft and 1,350 ft, respectively. Thus, sufficient runway remained had the pilot elected to abort the takeoff when the airplane exceeded its takeoff ground distance roll. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airplane Flying Handbook, before takeoff, pilots should identify a point along the runway at which the airplane should be airborne; if the airplane is not airborne by that point, the pilot should take immediate action to discontinue the takeoff. ## Factual narrative On February 28, 2018, at 1815 central standard time, a Beech 77, N6699B, impacted terrain during initial climb at Odessa Airport-Schlemeyer Field (ODO), Odessa, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was registered to an individual and operated by another individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local flight was to remain in the ODO traffic pattern and was originating at the time of the accident. According the Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Lubbock Flight Standards District Office, the airplane owner was not the registered owner of the airplane. The airplane owner allowed the pilot to fly the airplane hoping that the pilot would buy the airplane. The last annual inspection of the airplane was in 2016. A National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report Form 6120 was not received from the airplane owner. A completed Form 6120 was received from the pilot. The pilot stated that he and the airplane owner performed a preflight inspection of the airplane, which included checking the fuel and oil. The pilot said that once fuel was added, the airplane "checked out good." The pilot stated they "looked over" the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the airplane to "familiarize" himself with the airplane. He then started the airplane, and it ran "nice and smooth no issues on startup." He taxied the airplane to the fuel pumps to obtain fuel and then taxied to runway 29 (6,200 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) where he performed a run-up, and there were "no problems." He planned on departing from runway 29 and remain in the airport traffic pattern for touch-and-go landings. He said during the takeoff roll, the airplane accelerated to 49 knots about ½ down the runway. He rotated the nose of the airplane and lifted the airplane "gradually." He noticed that upon lift-off, the airplane's "acceleration and power started to disappear." He lowered the airplane nose to increase airspeed as the airplane approached the departure end of the runway and then raised the nose gradually, but the stall warning horn would sound; he aborted the climb. There was no useable runway remaining, and the airplane was approaching a densely populated area, so he executed a slight right bank turn to remain over the airport. The stall warning horn sounded, and the airplane "dropped from the sky." The pilot stated that he was not sure of how the accident could have been prevented other than not flying at night or having aborted the takeoff earlier in the takeoff phase. The pilot stated his total flight experience in the accident make and model of airplane was 0 hours. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane wing flaps were in the fully retracted position. One of the two propeller blades hadleading edge gouges and S-shaped bending. The second propeller blade had chordwise scratching/polishing, and the blade tip was curled inboard about 180° in the spanwise direction. The reduction of any engine power could not be determined. According to the Beech 77 POH, the bottom of the airspeed indicator was 54 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). The POH Takeoff checklist stated the takeoff rotation speed was 56 knots. With an approximate airport elevation of 3,004 feet, an altimeter setting of 29.81 inches of mercury, an outside air temperature of 19°Celsius, the pressure altitude was 3,107 feet. ODO recorded wind about the time of the accident as 320°at 14 knots. The approximate headwind component with a departure from runway 29 was 12 knots. Under these conditions and with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,675 lbs., the POH TAKEOFF DISTANCE – HARD SURFACE chart showed an approximate takeoff distance ground roll and takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle as 900 feet and 1,350 feet, respectively. The Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3), Chapter 5, Takeoffs and Departure Climbs, Rejected Takeoff/Engine Failure, stated: Prior to takeoff, the pilot should identify a point along the runway at which the airplane should be airborne. If that point is reached and the airplane is not airborne, immediate action should be taken to discontinue the takeoff. Properly planned and executed, the airplane can be stopped on the remaining runway without using extraordinary measures, such as excessive braking that may result in loss of directional control, airplane damage, and/or personal injury. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6699B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6699B-2020-02-03), registration cancelled 2020-02-03, S/N WA-40 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH 77 - Registry model: [Beech 77](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-77) (registry code 1153007) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: WA-40 - Year built: 1979 - Engines: Lycoming O-235 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Russ Padgett - Registered owner: Stephen Warren - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, January 1, 2016 - Departed: ODO, Odessa, TX - Destination: ODO, Odessa, TX - Airport: ODO, Odessa Airport-Schlemeyer Fld, runway 29, 6,200 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 25; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review December 29, 2016; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 348 total, 0.1 in this make and model, 308 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 0 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 14 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 32 °F - Altimeter: 29.80 inHg - Observed at: ODO ## 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 20180228009619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180228009619A), Feb 28, 2018: Beech 77, Odessa, TX, Substantial damage. On February 28, 2018, at approximately 1920 CDT, N6699B, a Beech 77 suffered a reduction in engine power during departure climb at Odessa-Schlemeyer airport… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 26, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96820. 4.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 2.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40475288&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - FAA Coordinator (item 2, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40475289&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20FAA%20Coordinator-Master.PDF - Record of Examination (item 3, .PDF, 85 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40475290&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Examination-Master.PDF - Airplane Pilot Operating Handbook Excerpt (item 4, .PDF, 537 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40475291&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airplane%20Pilot%20Operating%20Handbook%20Excerpt-Master.PDF - Pressure Altitude Calculator (item 5, .PDF, 103 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40475292&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pressure%20Altitude%20Calculator-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 6, .PDF, 2 photos, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40475293&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.