At about 1130 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a loss of engine power during initial climb. The commercial pilot and the passenger/owner of the airplane were killed. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane reached an altitude of 75 to 100 feet above the ground, when the engine “sputtered” or “coughed,” and then “quit.” The airplane struck two parked, unoccupied airplanes before impacting the ground and colliding with a tractor-trailer container. Preliminary review of maintenance records revealed the airplane had been operated for about 2.5 hours since the engine was disassembled for “extensive engine repair” on December 5, 2008. The airplanes most recent annual inspection was performed on April 1, 2009. Witnesses reported that they believed the airplane was flown sometime during the week prior to the accident.
May 6, 2009, Lantana, Fla., Beech K35 Bonanza
At about 1130 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a loss of engine power during initial climb. The commercial pilot and the passenger/owner of the airplane were killed. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane reached an altitude of 75 to 100 feet above the ground, when the engine "sputtered" or "coughed," and then "quit." The airplane struck two parked, unoccupied airplanes before impacting the ground and colliding with a tractor-trailer container.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane experienced a fatal engine power loss and forced landing shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of the commercial pilot and passenger/owner.
- The engine "sputtered or coughed" and then quit at a low altitude of 75 to 100 feet above the ground.
- Preliminary maintenance records revealed the engine had undergone "extensive engine repair" approximately 2.5 hours of operation prior to the accident.
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