Beech J35 accident near Somerset, KY
On November 20, 2003, a Beech J35 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Somerset, KY. 3 people died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- November 20, 2003
- Place
- Somerset, KY
- Aircraft
- Beech J35 · Airplane
- Injuries
- 3 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 37.063°N, 84.612°W
- NTSB ID
- 20031125X01946
Official records · NYC04FA036
- Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On November 20, 2003, about 0830 eastern standard time, a Beech J35, N748CH, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Somerset-Pulaski County Airport (SME), Somerset, Kentucky. The certificated flight instructor, pilot-rated passenger, and a second passenger were fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight to Blue Grass Airport (LEX), Lexington, Kentucky. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the commercial flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. A pilot, standing on the ramp at SME, witnessed the accident. He stated that during the takeoff on runway 04, about the time of rotation, the engine began "missing." The engine "missed" about six times as the airplane climbed to approximately 400 feet above the ground. During the initial climb, the landing gear retracted. The airplane then began a left turn back toward the airport, the landing gear began to extend, and the engine lost all power. The airplane subsequently descended, struck trees, and impacted terrain about 1/2-mile north of the airport. The accident occurred during the hours of daylight; located about 37 degrees, 03.77 minutes north latitude, and 84 degrees, 36.72 minutes west longitude. PERSONNEL INFORMATION The pilot in command held a commercial pilot certificate, with ratings for airplane single engine land, airplane multi-engine land, and instrument airplane. He also held a flight instructor certificate, with a rating for airplane single engine land. The pilot in command's most rec
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A factor was the impairment of the pilot in command due to an over-the-counter antihistamine.
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Browse: Kentucky · Beech aircraft
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
