ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 45015
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| Date: | Thursday 20 November 2003 |
| Time: | 08:30 |
| Type: |  Beechcraft J35 Bonanza |
| Owner/operator: | Mock Air |
| Registration: | N748CH |
| MSN: | D5600 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 3860 hours |
| Engine model: | Continental IO-470 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: 3 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Somerset, KY -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | Take off |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Somerset-Lake Cumberland Regional Airport, KY (SME/KSME) |
| Lexington-Blue Grass Airport, KY (LEX/KLEX) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
On November 20, 2003, about 0830 eastern standard time, a Beech J35, N748CH, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Somerset-Pulaski County Airport (SME), Somerset, Kentucky. The certificated flight instructor, pilot-rated passenger, and a second passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Lexington, Kentucky. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the commercial flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
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.
Probable Cause: 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.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB: https://www.ntsb.gov/_layouts/ntsb.aviation/brief.aspx?ev_id=20031125X01946&key=1
Location
Images:
Photo: NTSB
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 28-Oct-2008 00:45 | ASN archive | Added |
| 21-Dec-2016 19:24 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Time, Damage, Category, Investigating agency] |
| 08-Dec-2017 20:21 | ASN Update Bot | Updated [Cn, Nature, Source, Narrative] |
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