NTSB Factual Report

On May 5, 1993, at 1535 central daylight time, a Beech A33-35, N397Z, operated by Robert D. Borman collided with the trees shortly after takeoff. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. A third passenger received fatal injuries. The flight originated from the Lost Mine Airport, a private airport in Theodosia, Missouri, just prior to the accident.

The pilot reported that prior to the accident he and his passengers had flown to Gainsville, Missouri, to attend a conference. He reported that due to the short runway (1,890') at Gainsville and the weight of all three passengers, he flew to the Lost Mine Airport with two passengers on board, dropped them off and returned to Gainsville to pick up the third passenger. Upon landing at Lost Mine with the third passenger, the pilot reported, he taxied to the end of the runway, picked up the other passengers and was departing when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that the airplane seemed to be performing okay until an altitude of 200' was reached on takeoff, at which time the engine began to "slow down, showing a drop in power and RPM's." He reported he lowered the nose in an attempt to maintain airspeed and looked for a place to land. The pilot ultimately stalled the airplane into trees. He reported the airplane contacted the trees at 50 mph and spun 180 degrees upside down prior to settling to the terrain in an inverted position. A post impact fire erupted.

A witness at a nearby farm reported hearing the airplane and reported that the engine sounded like it was "lugging down" as if under a heavy load.

A post accident inspection of the airplane and engine was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration Principal Maintenance Inspector. His statement of the inspection is attached to this report.

The pilot departed downhill on runway 27 at the Lost Mine Airport. Winds at the time of the departure were from the south-southeast at 9 knots. After the departure the pilot made a right hand turn to the north.

NTSB Probable Cause

POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TAILWIND, A HEAVY WEIGHT LOAD, AND UNSUITABLE TERRAIN IN WHICH TO LAND THE AIRPLANE.