# NTSB IAD97LA099: Beech BE-35, N2738V, Wadsworth, OH, July 12, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 12, 1997, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC) - Place: Wadsworth, OH - Coordinates: 41.01976, -81.729278 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0198&lon=-81.7293&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 9, 1999 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28214 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=IAD97LA099 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28214/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD97LA099 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to retard the engine throttle to idle during the landing roll. A related factor was the diverted attention. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Overrun, landing - roll - propeller control - malfunction (contributing factor) - throttle/power lever - inadequate (cause) - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor) - On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll - terrain condition - ditch ## Analysis The day prior, the engine would only accelerate to 2,000 rpm. After some adjustments, the engine attained the manufacturer's maximum rpm of 2,300. The pilot stated that there were no indications of any malfunctions during the engine run up and the acceleration during take off felt normal. Once airborne, the pilot was unable to reduce the propeller rpm by turning the propeller control knob. He stated that the propeller control knob was pulled out for the remainder of the flight and landing. Maintaining 95-100 mph on short final, the pilot stated that he touched down about one-third of the way down the runway. The pilot applied brakes immediately, but the airplane did not slow down and continued off the end of the runway into a ditch. The pilot stated that the propeller control problem distracted him and that he did not pull the throttle to the idle position. No other mechanical problems were found with the airplane. ## Factual narrative On July 12, 1997, approximately 1215 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-35, N2738V, was substantially damage as it ran off the end of the runway during the landing roll out at the Weltzien Skypark Airport, Wadsworth, Ohio. The certificated private pilot/owner was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot indicated that the night prior to the accident during a ground run-up, the engine was unable to accelerate above 2,000 rpm. The next morning after adjustments were made, the engine accelerated to its maximum rpm of 2,300 during a test run-up. The pilot stated that the pre-takeoff checks and the acceleration during takeoff felt normal and the engine rpm gauge indicated 2,300 rpm. Once airborne, the pilot reduced the manifold pressure and attempted to reduce the propeller rpm by turning the propeller control vernier knob. The pilot stated that "turning the vernier (knob) was inoperative. He had to pulled the propeller control knob out and kept his hand on it for the rest of the flight and landing." The pilot returned to the airport and lowered the landing gear and flaps at 100 mph. He maintained 95-100 mph on short final, and thought he touched down in the first one-third of the runway. The pilot stated that he "started braking almost immediately but the airplane did not slow down as expected." The airplane departed the end of the runway, impacted a ditch, and came to rest in an upright position. The pilot stated that he was distracted by the propeller control problem and did not remember to pull the throttle to the idle position after touch down. The pilot did not report any other problems, nor were any found with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N2738V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2738V-2002-02-08), registration cancelled 2002-02-08, S/N D-118, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Beech BE-35 - Registry model: [Beech 35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-35) (registry code 1151502) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: D-118 - Airframe hours: 7068 - Engines: Continental E-185-11 205 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert E. Nellis - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 1, 1997, 32 hours before - Departed: 15G - Airport: 15G, Weltzien Airport, runway 21, 2,300 × 38 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 72; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 511 total, 219 in this make and model, 411 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 0° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg ## 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 19970712019989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970712019989A), Jul 12, 1997: Beech 35BEECH, Wadsworth, OH, Substantial damage. (.4)The day prior, the engine would only accelerate to 2,000 RPM. After some adjustments, the engine attained the manufacturer's maximum RPM of 2,300. The… 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.