The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.
Additional Participating Entities:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Lubbock, Texas
Continental Motors; Mobile, Alabama
Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board:
Location: Ranger, Texas
Accident Number: CEN20LA004
Date and Time: October 6, 2019, 08:35 Local
Registration: N36LS
Aircraft: Beech B36
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
Analysis
The pilot and three passengers were departing on a cross-country flight from a turf runway. The pilot stated that he used a soft-field takeoff technique, and once the airplane became airborne in ground effect, it did not accelerate as expected. The engine was producing power; however, there was a lack of acceleration and a “mushy” feeling. The airspeed continued to decrease, and the pilot banked the airplane left to make an emergency landing off the left side of the runway. The pilot heard the airplane’s stall warning horn, and the airplane collided with small trees and came to rest upright.
A postaccident test run of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation or production of rated power.
Data from an engine data monitor revealed that, during the accident takeoff, the engine speed reached about 2,700 rpm, the engine manifold pressure was 35.2 inches of mercury (inHg), and the fuel flow reached 40.5 gallons per hour (gph). A review of the previous three flights showed that the fuel flow regularly reached 38 to 40 gph during takeoff. The airplane flight manual stated that at 2,700 rpm and 36.0 inHg, the maximum fuel flow was 34.2 gph. The reason for this difference was not determined.
Probable Cause and Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
A lack of climb performance after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.
Findings
Aircraft (general) - Unknown/Not determined
Factual Information
On October 6, 2019, about 0835 central daylight time, a Beechcraft B36TC airplane, N36LS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ranger, Texas. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that, during the soft field takeoff roll, he advanced the throttle and confirmed normal power indications on the gauges. As the airplane accelerated, he noted 50 knots indicated airspeed and increasing, until it reached 70 knots, when he applied back pressure on the yoke and rotated. The airplane lifted off and flew over the runway in ground effect. While in ground effect, he noticed that the airplane stopped accelerating and felt "mushy," but the engine was still producing power. He added that he “did not hear or feel any pops, bangs, vibrations, smells, or otherwise that would have triggered [him] to believe that it was an immediate total engine power failure.” The airspeed indicator showed about 70 knots and was slowly decreasing. The pilot identified a field to the left of the runway and banked left about 15 to 20°, he heard the stall warning horn activate, then heard the underside of the airplane contact some small trees. The airplane landed hard in the field, impacted trees, and came to rest upright. The landing gear remained extended during the entire sequence.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. A postaccident examination revealed that the fuel pump was OFF, which is the setting prescribed in the airplane’s takeoff procedures. About 25 gallons of fuel was recovered from right tank and the left tank was empty, as it was breached from the impact sequence.
The airplane was equipped with a JPI engine data monitor (EDM) 900. Data retrieved from the unit revealed that, during the accident takeoff, the engine speed reached about 2,700 rpm, the engine manifold pressure was 35.2 inches of mercury (inHg), and the fuel flow reached 40.5 gph. A review of the previous three flights showed that the fuel flow regularly reached 38 to 40 gph during takeoff. The airplane flight manual stated that at 2,700 rpm and 36.0 inHg, the maximum fuel flow is 34.2 gph.
The engine was prepared and secured on a trailer for a functional test run. The avionics and engine monitor had been previously removed and were not reinstalled for the test run. The instrument panel did not feature any backup instruments to reference. The fuel pump was used to prime the engine and it started normally. The engine ran for 7 minutes. The throttle was advanced to full power four consecutive times and the engine produced full power. The engine was allowed to run at full power for 30 to 45 seconds each time. Every time the throttle reached the full forward position, the turbocharger engaged and was noticeably audible from inside the cockpit. The auxiliary fuel pump was set to LOW and OFF during the engine run and produced the same results for each setting. Additionally, during the test run, the pump was briefly set to HIGH with no anomalies noted. The engine did not exhibit any anomalies during the test run that would have prevented a normal production of power.
History of Flight
Initial climb Unknown or undetermined (Defining event)
Pilot Information
Certificate: Airline transport; Military
Age: 41,Male
Airplane Rating(s): Single-engine land; Single-engine sea; Multi-engine land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): Balloon
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 Without waivers/limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: January 29, 2019
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time: 3792 hours (Total, all aircraft), 47 hours (Total, this make and model), 2470 hours (Pilot In Command, all aircraft), 51 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 25 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 0 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)
Passenger Information
Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Passenger Information
Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Passenger Information
Certificate:
Age: Male
Airplane Rating(s):
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s):
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s):
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s):
Toxicology Performed:
Medical Certification:
Last FAA Medical Exam:
Occupational Pilot:
Last Flight Review or Equivalent:
Flight Time:
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: Beech
Registration: N36LS
Model/Series: B36 TC
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Amateur Built:
Airworthiness Certificate: Utility
Serial Number: EA-431
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats: 6
Date/Type of Last Inspection: December 7, 2018 Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 3850 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 3780.4 Hrs as of last inspection
Engine Manufacturer: Continental Motors
ELT:
Installed Engine Model/Series: TSIO-520-UB
Registered Owner:
Rated Power: 300 Horsepower
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual (VMC)
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Distance from Accident Site: 51 Nautical Miles
Observation Time:
Direction from Accident Site: 268°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Visibility:
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 10 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: /
Wind Direction: 190°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: /
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 17°C
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Ranger, TX (F23)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Forth Worth, TX (T67)
Type of Clearance: None
Departure Time:
Type of Airspace: Class E
Airport Information
Airport: Ranger Muni F23
Runway Surface Type: Grass/turf
Airport Elevation: 1470 ft msl
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 19
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 3415 ft / 75 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: None
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.447498,-98.682777(est)
Location: Ranger, TX
Accident Number: CEN20LA004
Date & Time: 10/06/2019, 0835 CDT
Registration: N36LS
Aircraft: BEECH B36
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On October 6, 2019, about 0835 central daylight time, a Beechcraft B36TC Bonanza, N36LS, impacted trees after an aborted takeoff from Ranger Municipal Airport (F23), Ranger, Texas. The pilot and three passengers were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to Aircraft Certification Flight Test Support LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The cross-country flight was departing at the time of the accident and was destined for Hicks Airfield (T67), Fort Worth, Texas.
In a post-accident statement, the pilot reported that during the soft-field takeoff roll he advanced the throttle, confirmed normal power indications on the gauges, and the power continued to increase in a normal manner. As the airplane continued to accelerate, he noted about 50 knots indicated airspeed and increasing, until it reached 70 knots when he continued to apply back pressure on the yoke and rotated for the soft-field takeoff. The airplane lifted off with a slightly higher than a normal pitch attitude, and the pilot flew the airplane over the runway while in ground effect. After flying in ground effect for a short period, he noticed the airplane stopped accelerating and felt "mushy" but he noted that the engine was still producing some amount of power. He "did not hear or feel any pops, bangs, vibrations, smells, or otherwise that would have triggered [him] to believe that it was an immediate total engine power failure." Next the airspeed indicator showed about 70 knots and was slowly decreasing. The pilot identified a field to the left of the runway and banked left about 15 to 20° to make a forced landing in the field. The pilot stated that he heard the stall warning horn activate, then heard the underside of the airplane contact some small trees. The airplane landed hard in the field and came to rest upright. The landing gear remained extended during the entire sequence. Figure 1 shows the damaged airplane where it came to rest in the field.
Figure 1 – A view of the front left side of accident airplane upright in a field.
During the forced landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was recovered to a secure storage facility and retained for further examination.
A review of the airplane maintenance logbooks revealed that a 100-hour engine inspection and airframe annual inspection were completed on December 7, 2018. The most recent maintenance logbook entry on July 26, 2019, noted that the turbocharger wastegate had been sticking and was replaced with an overhauled unit. The airplane was returned to service with a flight test completed and no anomalies noted.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N36LS
Model/Series: B36TC
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 51 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 17°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Ranger, TX (F23)
Destination:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.447500, -98.682778 (est)
Accident Number: CEN20LA004
Date & Time: 10/06/2019, 0835 CDT
Registration: N36LS
Aircraft: BEECH B36
Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal
On October 6, 2019, about 0835 central daylight time, a Beechcraft B36TC Bonanza, N36LS, impacted trees after an aborted takeoff from Ranger Municipal Airport (F23), Ranger, Texas. The pilot and three passengers were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to Aircraft Certification Flight Test Support LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan had been filed. The cross-country flight was departing at the time of the accident and was destined for Hicks Airfield (T67), Fort Worth, Texas.
In a post-accident statement, the pilot reported that during the soft-field takeoff roll he advanced the throttle, confirmed normal power indications on the gauges, and the power continued to increase in a normal manner. As the airplane continued to accelerate, he noted about 50 knots indicated airspeed and increasing, until it reached 70 knots when he continued to apply back pressure on the yoke and rotated for the soft-field takeoff. The airplane lifted off with a slightly higher than a normal pitch attitude, and the pilot flew the airplane over the runway while in ground effect. After flying in ground effect for a short period, he noticed the airplane stopped accelerating and felt "mushy" but he noted that the engine was still producing some amount of power. He "did not hear or feel any pops, bangs, vibrations, smells, or otherwise that would have triggered [him] to believe that it was an immediate total engine power failure." Next the airspeed indicator showed about 70 knots and was slowly decreasing. The pilot identified a field to the left of the runway and banked left about 15 to 20° to make a forced landing in the field. The pilot stated that he heard the stall warning horn activate, then heard the underside of the airplane contact some small trees. The airplane landed hard in the field and came to rest upright. The landing gear remained extended during the entire sequence. Figure 1 shows the damaged airplane where it came to rest in the field.
Figure 1 – A view of the front left side of accident airplane upright in a field.During the forced landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The airplane was recovered to a secure storage facility and retained for further examination.
A review of the airplane maintenance logbooks revealed that a 100-hour engine inspection and airframe annual inspection were completed on December 7, 2018. The most recent maintenance logbook entry on July 26, 2019, noted that the turbocharger wastegate had been sticking and was replaced with an overhauled unit. The airplane was returned to service with a flight test completed and no anomalies noted.
Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Registration: N36LS
Model/Series: B36TC
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None
Meteorological Information and Flight Plan
Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation:
Observation Time:
Distance from Accident Site: 51 Nautical Miles
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 17°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 10 knots / , 190°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:
Altimeter Setting: 30.01 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Ranger, TX (F23)
Destination:
Wreckage and Impact Information
Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 3 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 4 None
Latitude, Longitude: 32.447500, -98.682778 (est)
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