At 11:45 PDT, a Beech Bonanza struck an embankment during takeoff from a private grass strip near White Swan. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured and a third passenger was killed. Witnesses said the ground roll and takeoff appeared normal but that the airplane did not climb more than about four feet. Investigators noted that the southern half of the 2,400-foot grass strip was moist and soft, while the north end half was firm and dry. The aircraft had begun the takeoff roll from the south end. One of the owners of the airstrip reported that the airstrip is watered frequently and cut once a week on Friday or Saturday. The accident occurred on a Thursday.
Aug. 19, White Swan, Wash. / Beech F33A Bonanza
At 11:45 PDT, a Beech Bonanza struck an embankment during takeoff from a private grass strip near White Swan. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured and a third passenger was killed. Witnesses said the ground roll and takeoff appeared normal but that the airplane did not climb more than about four feet. Investigators noted that the southern half of the 2,400-foot grass strip was moist and soft, while the north end half was firm and dry. The aircraft had begun the takeoff roll from the south end. One of the owners of the airstrip reported that the airstrip is watered frequently and cut once a week on Friday or Saturday. The accident occurred on a Thursday....
Key Takeaways:
- A Beech Bonanza crashed during takeoff from a private grass strip near White Swan, resulting in one fatality and three serious injuries.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft failed to climb more than about four feet after an otherwise normal ground roll.
- Investigators noted the southern half of the 2,400-foot grass strip, where the takeoff began, was moist and soft, in contrast to the firm and dry northern half.
- The airstrip is frequently watered, with the accident occurring on a Thursday, suggesting potential soft ground conditions from recent watering or natural moisture.
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