Beech S35 N8636Q accident near Decatur, Texas

Probable cause

Both pilots' inadequate preflight inspection and failure to identify the presence of dirt and insect larvae in the pitot tube, and the owner-pilot's attempt to turn off the runway and onto the taxiway at an excessive speed during the aborted takeoff.

NTSB analysis

An annual inspection had just been completed on the airplane and it was flown to the owner's location by a pilot mechanic. The owner pilot entered the airplane with the engines running and took control of the airplane from the pilot mechanic. The owner pilot then performed a takeoff on a wet, grass runway. The pilot stated that the airspeed indicator stopped increasing at about 60 knots indicated airspeed, so he aborted the takeoff; during which, the airplane slid on the runway approximately 1,200 feet before the pilot attempted a right turn onto a taxi-way. During the turn the left main landing gear collapsed and the airplane slid into trees located near the taxiway, damaging the left aileron. Examination of the airplane revealed dirt and insect larvae in the pitot tube. The pilot mechanic stated that he performed a preflight, but did not inspect the pitot tube.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA342 for the full record.