Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot-in-command to perform preflight weight and balance calculations resulting in the airplane exceeding the maximum gross takeoff weight limitations.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he did not compute the airplane weight and balance nor do any preflight performance calculations. On takeoff the airplane would not accelerate nor climb. The airplane crashed into trees and the ground. Postaccident calculations revealed the airplane was 260 pounds over maximum gross takeoff weight limitations.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 13, 1995, about 1555 eastern daylight time, N6721D, a Beech BE-77 crashed on takeoff from the Hendersonville Airport, Hendersonville, North Carolina, on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at time and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and passenger received serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated both he and the passenger and the cargo on the airplane may have placed the airplane over the gross weight limitation of the airplane. After liftoff the airplane would not climb, and crashed into trees off the end of the runway and came to rest between two residences. Subsequent computation of the airplane weight and balance revealed the airplane was 260 pounds over maximum gross weight at the time of the accident. -