Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in an attempted takeoff with a control column lock installed.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 22, 2001, about 1510 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-36, N3680U, was substantially damaged during takeoff at the Biddeford Municipal Airport (B19), Biddeford, Maine. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for the Westchester County Airport, White Plains, New York. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
In a written statement, the pilot said he performed an engine run-up prior to takeoff without utilizing the airplane's checklist as he normally would. He then taxied to runway 24, a 3,011-foot long, asphalt runway for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, everything appeared normal; however, after obtaining rotation speed, he was not able to pull-back on the control column. The airplane continued down the runway, until it departed the end of the runway and impacted several small trees.
Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the control column lock was installed in the control column.
The pilot reported 1,300 hours of total flight experience, which included 200 hours in make and model. He was also a certified flight instructor.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC01LA183