Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the terrain during the takeoff sequence. Factors include his inadequate removal of snow and ice from the wings prior to takeoff, his improper decision to retract the landing gear before it had been positively determined that the aircraft would not settle back onto the runway, and snowy conditions both prior to and during the takeoff sequence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On March 3, 2006, at 1738 Pacific standard time, a Beechcraft V35B, N3511V, impacted the terrain during an attempted takeoff from Burns Municipal Airport, Burns, Oregon. The commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The planned destination of the instrument flight rules (IFR) personal pleasure flight was Columbia Regional Airport, Dallesport, Washington. The pilot had filed and activated his IFR flight plan prior to departure.
According to the pilot, he did not ensure that the snow that had accumulated on the aircraft both prior to and after he began the taxi sequence was fully removed from the aircraft's wings prior to takeoff. During the takeoff, the aircraft did not lift off as it normally does, and the takeoff roll ended up being longer than usual. Once the pilot got the aircraft in the air, it was not climbing at an acceptable rate, so the pilot retracted the landing gear because he thought that action would help the aircraft to climb. Soon after the landing gear was retracted, the aircraft settled back onto the runway, hit a runway light, and then slid off the departure end of the runway onto a snow and ice covered field.
According to the pilot, the engine was producing full power and was running very smoothly.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA06CA059