# NTSB DEN07CA085: Beech F-35, N3329C, Wheatland, WY, April 8, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: April 8, 2007, 12:21 local (18:21 UTC)
- Place: Wheatland, WY
- Coordinates: 42.055, -104.933334
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0550&lon=-104.9333&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 27, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Flight Standards Field Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 65568
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN07CA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65568/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA085

## Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate soft field takeoff procedures and the low airspeed resulting in the airplane settling back to the ground.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff
  - soft field takeoff/procedure - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - low (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - landing gear - collapsed
  - terrain condition - ground
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

According to the pilot, he attempted to depart from a dirt field, utilizing recommended soft field takeoff procedures. The airplane became airborne, the pilot gently lowered the nose to gain airspeed, and the airplane settled back to the ground, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

## Factual narrative

According to the accident report, submitted by the pilot, he was en route to Fargo, North Dakota, on April 7, when the weather began to deteriorate. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a field. The forced landing was uneventful. On April 8, the pilot attempted to depart from a nearby dirt field, utilizing FAA recommended soft field takeoff procedures. The airplane became airborne, the pilot gently lowered the nose to gain airspeed, and the airplane settled back to the ground. All three landing gear collapsed. The propeller was curled aft at both tips and the belly of the fuselage was crushed up and wrinkled. Both keels on each side of the nose wheel were bent and the bulkheads within the nose basket buckled. The pilot did not report any systems issues. An examination of the airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3329C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3329C-2010-02-09), registration cancelled 2010-02-09, S/N D-4322, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech F-35
- Registry model: [Beech F35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-f35) (registry code 1151514) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental E225 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e225-series) (registry code 17015, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D4322
- Airframe hours: 7500
- Engines: Continental E-225-8 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 2006
- Departed: Wheatland, WY
- Destination: FAR, FARGO, ND
- Airport: N/A, Farm Field, runway 090, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; seat: left; flight hours: 352 total, 73 in this make and model, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 19 °F
- Altimeter: 29.80 inHg
- Observed at: LAR

## 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 20070408004129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070408004129A), Apr 8, 2007: Beech F35, Wheatland, WY, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot made an off airport landing due to weather, with no injuries or damage to aircraft. The following day he attempted to depart the field several…

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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