# NTSB CHI96LA295: Beech V35, N2055V, Custer, SD, August 15, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 15, 1996, 08:20 local (13:20 UTC)
- Place: Custer, SD
- Coordinates: 43.759742, -103.600845 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7597&lon=-103.6008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 23, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10360
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA295
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10360/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA295

## Probable cause

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s).  The terrain condition beyond the end of the runway was a related factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot experienced a gradual lost of engine power.  The pilot made an emergency landing in the overrun area and the airplane went into rough and uneven terrain.  Examination of the engine, fuel system and engine control linkages did not reveal any discrepancies.

## Factual narrative

On August 15, 1996, at 0820 central daylight time (cdt), a Beech Bonanza V-35, N2055V, registered to Brainerd Helicopter Service, Inc., of Brainerd, Minnesota, was destroyed during a forced landing, shortly after takeoff from runway 25 at Custer County Airport, Custer, South Dakota.  The forced landing resulted from a partial loss of engine power.  The pilot reported minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.  The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating on a flight plan.  The flight departed Custer County Airport, Custer, South Dakota, at 0820 cdt.

According to the pilot's written statement, just after takeoff, the pilot reported a gradual power lost to an idle condition at approximately 150 above to ground.  The pilot made a forced landing on the overrun area and went into an area of trees and rocks.

A mechanic examined the engine and fuel system under the supervision of an FAA representative.  No defects were noted in the fuel or induction systems.  Control linkages to the engine were also operational.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2055V (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Beech V35
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D-7992
- Engines: Continental IO-520 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Brainerd Helicopter Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SD01
- Destination: MT01, HARDIN, MT
- Airport: SD02, Custer County, runway 25, 4,700 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 9,800 total, 2,400 in this make and model, 9,600 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

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.