Man And Three Grandchildren Were Fatally Injured

The pilot of a Beech 58 which went down in Ignace, MI on July 13th attempted two takeoffs before becoming airborne on the third try. The plane impacted the ground almost immediately after takeoff, and was consumed by a post-crash fire. A fourth grandchild survived the accident with serious injuries.

WLS-TV in Chicago reports that the grandfather, Moshe Menora, was flying the plane. Three of his granddaughters visiting from Israel, ages 17,16, and 14, were also fatally injured in the crash. His 13-year-old grandson was the surviver.

NTSB Identification: CEN10FA394
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Tuesday, July 13, 2010 in St. Ignace, MI
Aircraft: BEECH 58, registration: N3081N
Injuries: 4 Fatal, 1 Serious.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On July 13, 2010, at 1700 EDT, a Beech 58 twin-engine airplane, N3081N, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Mackinac County Airport (83D), St. Ignace, Michigan. The private pilot and three passengers were fatally injured and one passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Tri United, Inc., Skokie, Illinois, and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument rules flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to information provided by air traffic control, local authorities, and witnesses, the airplane departed Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Wheeling, Illinois, at 1110 CDT, and arrived at 83D at 1354 eastern daylight time. The airplane then departed 83D and arrived at Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) a few minutes later.

Approximately 1630, the airplane returned to 83D from MCD and obtained 60 gallons of fuel. Witnesses observed the airplane attempt to takeoff on runway 25 (concrete, good condition, 3,800 feet long by 75 feet wide) three different times. During the first attempt, the airplane traveled approximately 1/2 down the runway and the takeoff was aborted. The pilot taxied back to runway 25 and attempted a second takeoff. During the second takeoff attempt, the airplane traveled approximately 3/4 down the runway and the takeoff was aborted. The pilot taxied back to runway 25 and attempted a third takeoff. During the third takeoff attempt, the airplane became airborne, the "wings rocked back and forth," and the left wing contacted the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 which is located approximately 1,000 feet from the end of runway 25. The airplane continued through the highway median, traveled across the southbound lanes of the interstate and came to rest inverted in a grassy area adjacent to the interstate. A post crash fire ensued and consumed the airplane.

The seriously injured passenger, who was seated in the rear seat, exited the airplane after it came to rest.

Examination of the accident site and airplane revealed the left engine and wing tip were separated from the left wing. Several fragmented sections of Plexiglas were located between the interstate and the main wreckage. The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, empennage, both wings, and the right engine.

Weather conditions reported at the time of the accident were clear sky, calm winds, and a temperature of approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The calculated density altitude was approximately 2,300 feet.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov