N9310S

On September 3, 2001, at 1310 eastern daylight time, a Beech C23, N9310S, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during an on-ground collision with a fence while executing an aborted takeoff on runway 18 (2,600 feet by 110 feet, dry/turf) at the St. Helen Airport, St. Helen, Michigan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 on an instrument flight plan. The pilot and his passenger reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and had the intended destination of Brighton Airport, Brighton, Michigan.

According to the pilot's written statement, he was attempting a short and soft field takeoff at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll he set full engine power, held the yoke aft, and the airplane lifted off into ground effect. The pilot stated that after the liftoff the airplane settled back to the runway, and at which time he aborted the takeoff. The pilot reported that he reduced the engine power, set the mixture control to idle cutoff, and applied full brake pressure. The pilot stated that he was unable to stop prior to impacting the airport perimeter fence. The pilot reported no airframe or engine malfunctions or anomalies.

According to an inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was approximately 75 pounds below the certified maximum gross weight at the time of the accident.