NTSB Factual Report

On December 22, 2015, about 1735 eastern standard time, a Beechcraft A36, N4314S, was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain during climbout near Myerstown, Pennsylvania. The commercial pilot and three passengers sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to AB Holdings LLC., and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions were reported at the airport about the time of the accident, and an instrument flight plan was filed for the flight to Parkersburg, West Virginia. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, after conducting his preflight he prepared for departure. He noted that a "haze" started to fill around the airport but was not concerned with weather related issues. He conducted a pre-takeoff run up and everything checked out "ok." He taxied to the runway and started the takeoff roll; as the airplane reached take off speed (around 85 knots) he rotated, got airborne and reached over to raise the landing gear. He said that it "seemed" like he had a loss of engine power and when he checked the instrument panel, he noticed that the attitude indicator was on a 10 to 15 degree left bank. He immediately leveled the wings and kept the yoke "back" to continue the climb. However the airplane impacted the ground and "bounced" before coming to a stop.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the underside of the engine cowling and fuselage was crushed. The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.