Summary
On May 10, 1994, a Beech A35 (N620B) was involved in an incident near St. Petersburg, FL. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND PROPER GLIDEPATH RESULTING IN THE IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES SHORT OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY.
On May 9, 1994, about 2032 eastern daylight time, a Beech A35, N620B, registered to James Epperson, collided with trees while returning to land shortly after takeoff from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 2015.
After takeoff the ATC controller advised the pilot that the nose landing gear was not retracted. The pilot cycled the landing gear but the nose landing gear was partially extended.
This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA94LA135. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N620B.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND PROPER GLIDEPATH RESULTING IN THE IN-FLIGHT COLLISION WITH TREES SHORT OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 9, 1994, about 2032 eastern daylight time, a Beech A35, N620B, registered to James Epperson, collided with trees while returning to land shortly after takeoff from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, St. Petersburg, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight originated about 2015.
After takeoff the ATC controller advised the pilot that the nose landing gear was not retracted. The pilot cycled the landing gear but the nose landing gear was partially extended. The pilot flew past the tower and the controller advised him that the nose landing gear was partially extended. The pilot requested a landing clearance which was granted and performed a go-around while on final approach. While on final approach again the pilot stated that he applied full throttle too late. The airplane collided with trees about 15 feet outside of the airport perimeter fence.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA94LA135