NTSB Factual Report

On August 26, 2003, about 1000 Pacific daylight time, a Beech C24R, N6536C, sustained substantial damage when the airplane collided with a fence shortly after takeoff from the Juniper Air Park, Bend, Oregon. The airplane is owned by the private pilot, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) training flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The first pilot, a private pilot receiving instruction, and the second pilot, an airline transport pilot/certified flight instructor, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.

In a written statement dated September 1, the first pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from runway 24, the airplane settled back onto the runway. The pilot continued the takeoff roll, reporting that the airplane lifted off a second time near the departure end of the runway. He reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane collided with a fence located at the end of the departure runway. After colliding with the fence, the airplane impacted a ditch bank approximately 250 feet beyond the runway end, eventually coming to rest west of the departure runway.

No mechanical difficulties or failures that may have contributed to the accident were reported.

NTSB Probable Cause

The first pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to abort the takeoff. Factors include a fence and a ditch bank located upwind of the runway.