At 75 Knots He Rotated The Airplane But Noted That The RPM Was About 2,300 And Decreasing

Location: Pearland, TX Accident Number: CEN21LA176
Date & Time: April 3, 2021, 07:35 Local Registration: N5240C
Aircraft: Beech B35 Injuries: 4 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 3, 2021, about 0735 central daylight time, a Beech B35, N5240C, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pearland, Texas. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he purchased the airplane in October 2020. Since then, the airplane has undergone extensive maintenance in attempt to troubleshoot excessive engine RPM. The day before the accident, the airplane flew uneventfully; the pilot also had a mechanic check over airplane one last time.

On the day of the accident, the pilot conducted a thorough preflight and runup with no anomalies noted. He then increased the engine to full power and started the takeoff roll on the short, grassy runway. The RPM indicator showed full power, however, the airplane was not accelerating as fast as normal. At 75 knots he rotated the airplane but noted that the RPM was about 2,300 and decreasing. Unable to set the airplane back onto the short runway, he flew the airplane in ground effect until it accelerated to about 85 knots. He pitched up to climb, but the engine RPM continued to decrease to about 1,900. Unable to climb above powerlines at the end of the runway, he positioned the airplane to fly beneath them and initiated a precautionary landing to a field. During the descent, the airplane’s right wing impacted a tree about 15 ft above the ground; shortly thereafter, the airplane landed on its belly and slid to a stop.

During the accident sequence the right wing was substantially damaged. The airplane has been recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov