N512WM

On December 27, 1997, at 1032 eastern standard time, a Beech 35- 33B, N512WM, operated by a commercial instrument pilot collided with the terrain during initial takeoff climb following departure from the Troy-Oakland Airport, Troy, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A VFR flight plan was filed, but had not been opened. The pilot received minor injuries. One passenger was seriously injured and another passenger was not injured. The airplane was destroyed by impact and post crash fire.

The pilot reported he started the airplane and had an "extended time" to let the engine warm up prior to takeoff. He reported that after liftoff at an altitude of 200 to 300 feet, the engine sputtered and began to lose power. He stated he lowered the nose to prevent a stall and veered left "...to an area and a point where I could put the plane down at." He reported the airplane touched down and slid into an embankment. The pilot reported that he and the passengers got out of the airplane as it started to burn. The airplane was then destroyed by fire.

The pilot stated to an Inspector from the FAA Belleville Flight Standards District Office that he had the fuel selector positioned on the left fuel tank when he performed the engine run-up and taxi. He continued to stated that while letting the engine warm up near the end of the runway, the passenger in the right seat began asking questions regarding the fuel system. It was at this time, just prior to takeoff, that he switched the fuel selector to the right fuel tank.