N1827M

On January 10, 2000, at 2024 Pacific standard time, a Beech D18S, N1827M, registered to Comanche Air Inc., operated by Methow Aviation, collided with the ground shortly after the pilot aborted the takeoff from Paine Field, Everett, Washington. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 positioning flight. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the airline transport pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was departing for Burlington, Washington.

During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that the start, taxi, and run-up were normal. The takeoff ground roll began at taxiway A7 on runway 34L. The pilot reported that the airplane lifted off and attained an altitude of about five feet, when it began to "bank and turn to the left." The pilot applied corrective action, however, the airplane would not respond. The pilot opted to abort the takeoff and reduced power. The airplane touched down in the soft dirt/grass on the west side of the runway. During the ground roll, the left main landing gear separated as the aircraft traveled over a drainage ditch where the right main landing gear separated on the opposite side. The airplane then slid to a stop after turning approximately 180 degrees to the left.

During the telephone interview, the pilot reported that there was no indication of a mechanical failure or malfunction with the engines, and that they were producing full power.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector from the Seattle, Washington, Flight Standards District Office, responded to the accident site. The inspector reported that the propeller blades from both engines were bent and curled aft. Propeller "slash" marks were also noted on the pavement along the aircraft's ground path. The inspector also checked the aircraft's flight controls and verified control continuity with no abnormalities noted.