Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper use of elevator trim, resulting in his failure to obtain sufficient takeoff airspeed and subsequent inadvertent stall/mush. A Factor was his failure to follow the preflight checklist.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 13, 2000, at 1300 mountain standard time, a Beech K35, N9500R, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during initial climb following takeoff from Fillmore Airport, Fillmore, Utah. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the business cross-country flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The intended destination was St. George, Utah.
According to the pilot, during takeoff roll on runway 22, the aircraft was "trimmed incorrect[ly] and left the runway premature[ly]." The airplane lifted off the runway, settled back down, and immediately lifted off the runway again. The aircraft had insufficient airspeed and the stall warning horn sounded. He retarded the throttle and the airplane departed the runway to the left into the grass. The propeller, cowling and landing gear were bent, and the fuselage was wrinkled.
When asked what recommendation the pilot could make as to how the accident could have been prevented, he stated "use of a checklist."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN00LA043