BEECH A36TC — Kalamazoo, MI

What happened

Witnesses and global positioning system data indicated that after takeoff the airplane tracked the runway centerline and climbed approximately 150 feet above ground level before turning to the right and descending. The airplane subsequently impacted the ground, a fence, and a pole about 1,400 feet from the departure end of the runway. A postimpact fire ensued. After acknowledging the takeoff clearance, no further communications were received from the accident airplane. Examination of the airplane’s structure, flight controls, engine controls, and fuel system did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure. The engine manufacturer had issued a Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) that was applicable to the accident airplane’s engine. The airplane’s engine was disassembled in order to replace components damaged during the impact sequence. During the disassembly the valve lifters that were the subject of the MSB were examined and found to have pitting. However, the engine was reassembled with the original valve lifters for a functional test run and during the test run the engine produced full rated power and no anomalies were noted. Data retrieved from an engine monitoring system installed on the accident airplane recorded a significant reduction in engine power during the accident takeoff. The monitoring system did not record throttle, mixture, or propeller control positions and the data was consistent with normal power reductions recorded during the landing phase of previous flights. No mechanical reason for the loss of engine power was found.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.