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.