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N3680U accident description

Maine map... Maine list
Crash location 43.397222°N, 70.472223°W
Nearest city Biddeford, ME
43.492584°N, 70.453384°W
6.7 miles away
Tail number N3680U
Accident date 22 Jul 2001
Aircraft type Beech BE-36
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

On July 22, 2001, about 1510 eastern daylight time, a Beech BE-36, N3680U, was substantially damaged during takeoff at the Biddeford Municipal Airport (B19), Biddeford, Maine. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for the Westchester County Airport, White Plains, New York. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot said he performed an engine run-up prior to takeoff without utilizing the airplane's checklist as he normally would. He then taxied to runway 24, a 3,011-foot long, asphalt runway for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, everything appeared normal; however, after obtaining rotation speed, he was not able to pull-back on the control column. The airplane continued down the runway, until it departed the end of the runway and impacted several small trees.

Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the control column lock was installed in the control column.

The pilot reported 1,300 hours of total flight experience, which included 200 hours in make and model. He was also a certified flight instructor.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in an attempted takeoff with a control column lock installed.

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