NTSB Factual Report

On August 4, 2005, approximately 0800 central daylight time, a twin-engine Smith Aerostar 601P airplane, N15BA, was destroyed when it impacted terrain following a reported loss of engine power while attempting to take-off from the San Patricio County Airport (T69) near Sinton, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot , sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by private individuals. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the maintenance check flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The 7,200-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that he had recently purchased the airplane. He added that the airplane had not been flown in nearly four years due to a propeller strike requiring extensive maintenance to the left engine and the replacement of the right engine. The pilot, who is also a certificated airframe and powerplant mechanic, completed the airplane's maintenance inspection before beginning the maintenance check flight.

The pilot stated, prior to take-off, "[he] noticed the left engine manifold pressure [was] higher than the right engine, and the left engine revolutions per minute (RPM) was approximately 200 RPM lower than the right engine." The pilot further stated, "this should have been cause for aborting the takeoff run immediately," yet he elected to continue with the takeoff on Runway 32 (a 4,323 feet long by 55 feet wide runway). During the takeoff roll, "the RPM was rapidly compensated for by the increase in manifold pressure, but not entirely."

The pilot added that he made power adjustments "late in the takeoff roll (1/4 to 1/2 runway length), as the airplane's acceleration seemed acceptable at the time. However, after lift-off the climb was tepid. Sluggish!" The pilot added that "about 50 feet or so it did not want to climb." The airplane then began to descend into trees at the departure end of the runway where it impacted terrain, and slid approximately 300 yards before coming to rest. A post-impact fire ensued. The pilot added, "[the] flight should have been aborted until deficiencies were corrected for."

The reason for the loss of engine could not be determined.

At 0751, the automated surface observing system at the Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP), near Corpus Christi, Texas, located approximately 15 miles south of the accident site reported wind calm, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 1,900 feet, temperature 79 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 30.01 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff and the subsequent loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors were the attempted operation of the airplane with known deficiencies in the equipment and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.