N2181X

Substantial
None

CESSNA 337S/N: 337-0081

Accident Details

Date
Monday, June 29, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA15CA158
Location
Blanding, UT
Event ID
20150706X84840
Coordinates
37.583332, -109.483329
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's selection of a departure runway of inadequate length for the density altitude, resulting in the airplane not gaining sufficient lift, departing the runway, and impacting terrain.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2181X
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
337-0081
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
337C337
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
727 E 5TH AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
KENNEWICK
State / Zip Code
WA 99336-5843
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the twin-engine airplane reported that prior to takeoff, he "didn't lean out the motors". He reported that during the takeoff roll, "there wasn't enough lift and probably the density altitude was involved." The airplane ran off the departure end of the runway into a field, impacted terrain, and sustained substantial damage to the empennage. The pilot reported that the accident was because of "pilot error."

The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engines that would have precluded normal operation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The computed density altitude for the departure airport was 8,570 feet at the time of the accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspector reported that the pilot was not rated for multi-engine airplanes and that the airplane was not airworthy prior to the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA158