Beechcraft A24R N9769L

Summary

On 2 February 2003 at about 17:06 local time, a Beechcraft A24R registered N9769L was involved in an accident near Titusville, Florida, United States. 4 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 February 2003 at 17:06

Classification

Accident

Location

Titusville, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

Space Coast Regional (TIX)

Coordinates

28.5139, -80.7972

Aircraft

Beechcraft A24R

Registration

N9769L

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Titusville → Reidsville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ATL03LA040

1 person was seriously injured.

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The pilot's failure to attain full power for takeoff in accordance with the operation handbook was a factor.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot advanced the throttle for takeoff until the throttle was completely in and at the hub. He initially noted the rpm showed 2,300, rpm and during the takeoff roll the rpm showed 2,500 rpm. The Pilot's Operating Handbook states that full throttle 2,700 rpm is required for takeoff. The throttle slipped back about 1/2 inch on two different occasions, and the pilot pushed the throttle back in. No increase in engine power was noted and he continued the takeoff roll. Once airborne, the pilot retracted the landing gear and continued applying full throttle. The throttle felt like it was sticking and the engine was not producing full power. The airplane reached about 75 to 100 feet, and was not climbing. The pilot realized he would not clear wires and trees to his immediate front and applied aft pressure on the control yoke to decrease his airspeed and the impending impact. Examination of the airplane wreckage revealed the throttle cable was hard to move and fractured. The throttle cable was removed, and forwarded to the NTSB Materials Laboratory. The examination revealed the fractures were typical of bending overstress while the cable was under a tension load. No determination was made for the loss of engine power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.