N243RC

On October 28, 1999, approximately 1505 mountain daylight time, a Beech B-60 Duke, N243RC, was substantially damaged following departure from the runway during takeoff roll at Angel Fire Airport, Angel Fire, New Mexico. The instrument rated private pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight which was originating at the time of the accident. An IFR flight plan had been filed.

A pilot/witness said that the airplane had been in for maintenance in Albuquerque, and he flew N243RC to Angel Fire for the accident pilot. The pilot/witness said that at approximately 1400 he landed on runway 17 with the wind from 230 degrees at 20 knots, with gusts to 25 knots. He further stated that he assisted the pilot from his car to the airplane. The accident pilot said that he had "bad knees" and walked with the assistance of two canes. The pilot's wife then loaded five dogs into the airplane.

The pilot taxied to runway 35, and started his takeoff roll with variable winds between 230 and 270 degrees at 22 knots, with gusts to 30 knots according to the FBO manager. Approximately 2 minutes later, the pilot transmitted a distress call. Another witness observed the airplane 90 degrees to the runway approximately 1,000 feet from the threshold. He said that the airplane departed the left side of the runway at a 30 degree angle approximately 400 feet from the threshold. He said that there was no indication of nose wheel ground contact for the first 150 feet of runway departure. He further observed that airplane encountered wet earth while simultaneously encountering a dirt embankment with the left wing.