NTSB Factual Report

On March 30, 2003, at 1816 Pacific standard time, a Beech 19A, N7610R, collided with terrain at the departure end of runway 14 at Harris Ranch Airport, Coalinga, California, during the takeoff initial climb. The owner operated the flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and the passenger/owner were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot stated in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he set 10 degrees of flaps for takeoff from the relatively short runway. He rotated at 60 mph, and once the airplane was airborne he noticed that the "aircraft was slow to climb." He leveled the nose and gradually raised the flaps. The airplane settled, collided with the ground, and came to rest just past the end of the runway in an onion field. The pilot said that the aural stall warning was operating throughout the attempted climb out.

The Beechcraft Musketeer Sport III, Model 19A, Owner's Manual states that there are 3 flap settings; 15 degrees, 25 degrees, and 35 degrees. It states the following takeoff procedure, "After the airplane breaks ground, lower the nose slightly and let the airplane accelerate to the desired climb speed." Additionally, takeoff speed for 15 degrees of flaps is 60 mph, and 75 mph for no flaps.

At the direction of the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge the airplane's engine was inspected and ran by a licensed airframe and power plant mechanic. The mechanic reported that the engine operated to what he would consider a normal level of performance.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush.