Beechcraft J35 N748CH

Summary

On 20 November 2003 at about 13:30 local time, a Beechcraft J35 registered N748CH, operated by Mock Air, was involved in an accident near Somerset, Kentucky, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 November 2003 at 13:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Somerset, Kentucky, United States

Nearest airport

Somerset-Pulaski County (SME)

Coordinates

37.0628, -84.6119

Aircraft

Beechcraft J35

Registration

N748CH

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Mock Air

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Other Work Use

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Somerset → Lexington

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC04FA036

3 people died.

A total loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A factor was the impairment of the pilot in command due to an over-the-counter antihistamine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During takeoff and initial climb, the engine "missed" six times. The airplane entered a left turn toward the airport, but the engine lost all power. The airplane subsequently struck trees and impacted a field about 1/2 mile north of the airport. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel selector was positioned between "LH TANK" and "OFF;" however, the pre-impact position of the fuel selector could not be verified. Review of the airplane maintenance records revealed that after several reports of engine power losses during landing rolls, the fuel system was replaced about 5 months prior to the accident. A fuel leak was discovered and corrected shortly after the replacement. Following the correction, the airplane flew approximately 14 hours during the 5-month period, with no known discrepancies regarding the engine. After the accident, several components on the engine were replaced or repaired due to impact damage, and a successful test run of the engine was completed. Toxicological testing for the pilot in command revealed the presence of doxylamine, a sedating over-the-counter antihistamine commonly found in multi-symptom cold relievers such as NyQuil, and sleep aids such as Unisom. The level of doxylamine was consistent with ingestion of the maximum single over-the-counter dose of a sleep aid within a few hours prior to the accident. Post-accident interviews with the pilot's wife revealed that he was suffering from common cold symptoms such as coughing and congestion. The pilot was treating the cold with NyQuil at night, and non-drowsy Sudafed during the day.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.