N2248L

On July 28, 2024, about 0815 mountain daylight time, a Beech C23 airplane, N2248L, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Elko, Nevada. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the airplane had recently had an annual inspection, which was completed at the Elko Regional Airport (EKO), Elko, Nevada, where the airplane is based. The accident flight was the first flight since maintenance. After an extended preflight was conducted, he said that the engine started with some hesitation. Once the engine was started it operated normally. During the takeoff roll, about 200 ft down the runway, the engine momentarily lost power and quickly regained power, which the pilot decided to continue the takeoff. During the initial climb, about 100 ft above the runway, the engine experienced a total loss of power.

The pilot reported that buildings were in front of him and maneuvered toward an open field to his left for the off-airport landing. He stated that while maneuvering the airplane to the field, the stall warning horn sounded, and he pitched the nose down to prevent a stall prior to landing. Subsequently, the right wing and propeller impacted the ground. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.