Wed, Apr 23, 2025
(Pilot) Noticed The Airplane’s Airspeed Was Not Increasing And Immediately Looked For A Place To Land
Location: Lititz, PA Accident Number: ERA25LA137
Date & Time: March 9, 2025, 15:30 Local Registration: N347M
Aircraft: Beech A36TC Injuries: 2 Serious, 3 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On March 9, 2025, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36TC, N347M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lititz, Pennsylvania. The pilot and one passenger were seriously injured, and the other three passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, during takeoff, he heard a loud “pop” and was unsure what it was. He pulled the throttle back and when he realized the cabin door had opened, he thought he pushed the throttle back forward (but was not sure). He noticed the airplane’s airspeed was not increasing and immediately looked for a place to land. He was unable to recall anything that happened after that point.
A passenger sitting in the rear seat behind the pilot stated that during takeoff, “as soon as the airplane left the ground,” the front door opened. The pilot contacted the air traffic control tower and requested to return. The front seat passenger was holding the door closed. The airplane turned left, started “shaking,” and she knew the airplane was going to crash at that point.
A security camera located at an apartment complex across the street from the airport captured the airplane departing the runway and turning left. The airplane’s wings were rocking left to right and the tail of the airplane was low. The airplane then impacted several cars in a parking lot.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.
More News
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
Aero Linx: Glenn H. Curtiss Museum The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport’s favorite son, is located on State Route 54, one half mile south of the vill>[...]
The Flight Instructor Noticed Some Engine Roughness And Diverted Toward Westwinds Airport On November 2, 2025, about 1630 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just>[...]
From 2014 (YouTube Edition) -- Disclaimer: No Matter What He Tells You, Tom Is Not A Certified Firefighting Pilot While at EAA AirVenture 2014, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton checked >[...]
Aero-News: Quote of the Day (11.20.25)
See All