NTSB Factual Report

On July 28, 2007, about 1044 Pacific daylight time, a Beech C35, N8973A, collided with terrain near Redlands Municipal Airport, Redlands, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The local area flight departed Redlands about 1000. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

In a statement to local law enforcement official, the pilot stated that he was flying in the pattern and had announced his intention to land on runway 26. Another pilot responded, indicating that he was preparing to depart from the same runway. The pilot stated that he then slowed the airplane down to allow the other airplane time to depart; he then heard the stall warning horn. The pilot reported that he 'attempted to accelerate' but was unable to maintain control, and stalled.

The airplane collided with terrain about 1/2 mile short of runway 26.

An FAA inspector responded to the accident scene to assess the damage. He reported that the left main landing gear had sheared at its pivot point and had protruded through the top wing skin. The right main landing gear had buckled at its spar mounting points, and the nose landing gear had snapped at the oleo strut. The lower portion of the firewall was split and buckled. Both wings exhibited buckled skins between the wing root and the main landing gear.

A review of the FAA airman records revealed that the pilot held a combined student pilot and aviation medical certificate. The date on the medical certificate indicated it had been issued on July 16, 2002.

The pilot submitted a partially completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2).

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall.