# NTSB ERA11LA249: Beech D-45 (T-34B), N93013, Linden, NC, April 14, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 14, 2011, 08:20 local (12:20 UTC) - Place: Linden, NC - Coordinates: 35.226665, -78.797775 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2267&lon=-78.7978&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 5, 2012 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 78893 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11LA249 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/78893/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78893 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA249 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate takeoff performance planning and procedures, which resulted in an attempted takeoff on a grass runway that was not long enough for the given conditions and airplane configuration. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Planning/preparation: performance calculations](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech D-45 (T-34B), 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md?model=1152020), [All aircraft, 114 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061010/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech D-45 (T-34B), 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=1152020), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Beech D-45 (T-34B), 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=1152020), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Prior to flight: Preflight or dispatch event](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030); cases with it: [Beech D-45 (T-34B), 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md?model=1152020), [All aircraft, 355 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/030/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech D-45 (T-34B), 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=1152020), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Beech D-45 (T-34B), 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=1152020), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot conducted a preflight inspection and a pre-takeoff engine run-up check with no discrepancies noted. He positioned the airplane for takeoff at the end of the grass strip in order to use all of the available runway. The pilot advanced the power and the target rpm was noted as the airplane rolled down the grass strip. The pilot recalled that he rotated about 50 to 60 knots and was about two-thirds of the way down the runway when the airplane climbed about 10 to 12 feet over the runway. The landing gear doors closed and the airplane reached an altitude of about 50 feet; however, both the pilot and passenger reported that the airplane felt like it was not gaining speed or altitude. The airplane started to descend and shortly thereafter impacted a tree stump, tree debris, and the ground. The wreckage examination revealed that the flaps were in the full up position at the time of impact. A review of the airplane’s onboard flight manual, Section III, Normal Procedures, advises pilots that, for a minimum run takeoff, they should “use 75 percent of flaps.” The manual also advises pilots on proper technique, what variables to consider, and instructs them to check performance graph charts for proper takeoff settings and indications. The manual’s performance charts make reference to hard-surface runways but contain no reference to soft (grass strip) field takeoff calculations. The pilot did not mention having performed any calculations for the grass strip prior to the takeoff. ## Factual narrative On April 14, 2011, at 0820 eastern daylight time, a Beech, D-45 (T-34B), N93013, registered to the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Federal Excess Personal Property Program, and operated by an individual, impacted terrain during takeoff from a private grass strip field in Linden, North Carolina. The pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot stated that he was asked if he would fly the donated airplane to a museum in New York. On April 7, 2011, the pilot flew the airplane from Kinston, North Carolina to his private airstrip in Linden. It was not until the morning of April 14, that the weather was favorable to resume the flight to the museum. He stated the temperature was around 60 degrees, the sun was shining, and there was no wind. The pilot got the airplane out of the hangar and conducted a preflight inspection and noted that each wing fuel tank was about 2/3 full. The ground engine run up check was unremarkable and no discrepancies were noted. The pilot positioned the airplane with the nose toward the northwest and in such a matter to utilize the entire 3,000 foot grass strip; the runway was wet with morning dew. The pilot advanced the power and the target rpm was noted as the airplane rolled down the grass strip. He recalled that he rotated about 50 to 60 knots and the passenger believed that about two-thirds down the runway the airplane was about 10 to 12 feet above the ground. At that time, the landing gear doors were heard closing after landing gear retraction was selected. The airplane reached an altitude of about 50 feet; however, to both the pilot and passenger, the airplane felt like it was not gaining speed or altitude. The airplane started to descend and shortly after impacted the ground, tree debris, and a tree stump. The pilot secured the airplane and both exited the airplane noting a strong smell of aviation fuel. The responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector stated that the airplane came to rest upright on the ground with the landing gear and flaps up, about 1,000 feet from the end of the grass strip. The airplane’s wreckage energy path went through tree stumps and downed tree debris. The airplane’s empennage separated from the fuselage and came to rest behind the left wing, oriented in the same direction as the airplane. The wings were observed with dents in the leading edge and a large gash on the left side of the airplane beginning at rear baggage door to the end of the fuselage. Both propeller blades were curled indicative of power applied at impact. The northwest end of the grass strip area was cleared to provide a clearway. The wreckage examination by the FAA inspector did not reveal any evidence that would have prevented the airplane, and its system, fromnormal operations. A review of the airplane’s flight manual, Section III, Normal Procedures, makes reference to “Minimum run takeoff… to use 75 percent of flaps”. In Section XI, Performance Data, “Takeoff Distance” makes reference for pilot technique, what variables to consider, and to check with performance graph charts for proper setting and indication for a takeoff. The manual performance charts make reference to hard surface runways and no reference for soft (grass strip) field takeoff calculations are mentioned. The pilot never made mention of performing any calculation for the grass strip conditions prior to the takeoff. That accident flight was the pilot’s first departure with that airplane from his grass strip. According to the pilot, he held a commercial pilot certificate for airplane single-engine and multiengine land, and an instrument rating. His most recent medical certificate was issued on January 24, 2011. He reported that he accumulated 7,800 total flight hours, of which, 150 were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N93013](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N93013-2012-07-31), registration cancelled 2012-07-31, S/N BG-85, built 1955 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH D-45 (T-34B) - Registry model: [Beech D-45 (T-34B)](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-d-45-t-34b) (registry code 1152020) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: BG-85 - Airframe hours: 7267 - Engines: CONT MOTOR O-470 SERIES 230 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Special flight (Special); Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, January 22, 2010, 14 hours before - Departed: Linden, NC - Destination: TTA, Sanford, NC - Airport: Hodgen Field, runway 32, 3,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 74; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 24, 2011; seat: front; flight hours: 7,800 total, 150 in this make and model, 7,400 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 48 °F - Observed at: HRJ, 11 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 20110414012129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110414012129A), Apr 14, 2011: Beech D-45 (T-34B), Linden, NC, Destroyed. The preliminary investigation conducted on scene at Linden NC of a T-34B N93013 indicated departure from a Private landing strip of approximately 3000' with… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on July 18, 2012, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=78893. 3.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 588 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360335&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Miscellaneous: Records of Conversation. (item 2, .PDF, 137 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40364094&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3A%20Records%20of%20Conversation.-Redacted.PDF - Reports from Federal Agencies: Inspector's Statements. (item 3, .PDF, 257 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360336&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Reports%20from%20Federal%20Agencies%3A%20Inspector%27s%20Statements.-Redacted.PDF - Miscellaneous: Excerpt from the Accident Airplane Onboard Flight Manual. (item 4, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360337&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3A%20Excerpt%20from%20the%20Accident%20Airplane%20Onboard%20Flight%20Manual.-Master.PDF - Miscellaneous: HRJ Weather Station METER at the Time of the Accident. (item 5, .PDF, 35 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360339&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Miscellaneous%3A%20HRJ%20Weather%20Station%20METER%20at%20the%20Time%20of%20the%20Accident.-Master.PDF - Photo 1) Side View of the Wreckage. Photo Provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. (item 6, .PDF, 294 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360297&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201)%20Side%20View%20of%20the%20Wreckage.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20the%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration.-Master.PDF - Photo 2)View of the Wreckage from the aft side of the Airplane. Photo Provided by Federal Aviation Administration. (item 7, .PDF, 305 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360326&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202)View%20of%20the%20Wreckage%20from%20the%20aft%20side%20of%20the%20Airplane.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration.-Master.PDF - Photo 3) View of the Propeller Blades with Power Signature Marks. Photo Provide by the Federal Aviation Administration. (item 8, .PDF, 233 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360331&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203)%20View%20of%20the%20Propeller%20Blades%20with%20Power%20Signature%20Marks.%20Photo%20Provide%20by%20the%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration.-Master.PDF - Photo 4) View of Where the Airplane Came to Rest With a Back Ground View of the Departing Grass Strip. Photo Provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. (item 9, .PDF, 262 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40360333&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204)%20View%20of%20Where%20the%20Airplane%20Came%20to%20Rest%20With%20a%20Back%20Ground%20View%20of%20the%20Departing%20Grass%20Strip.%20Photo%20Provided%20by%20the%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration.-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.