Beech G-36 N7513 accident near Pompano Beach, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s premature rotation during takeoff with a tailwind and his delayed retraction of the landing gear, which reduced the airplane’s climb performance and subsequently led to the collision with power lines.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, after takeoff, as the airplane was about 100 ft mean sea level and its airspeed was about 60 to 70 knots, he attempted to retract the landing gear. The landing gear would not retract, so he recycled the gear handle, and the gear down-and-locked lights then extinguished. The airplane struggled to gain airspeed, which then decreased to about 60 knots. The airplane subsequently hit power lines and impacted terrain. The flap selector handle was found positioned to the "approach flap" position. Postaccident examination of the airplane, engine, and landing gear system did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation; the landing gear was in the in-transit position. A tailwind component of 6.8 knots existed at the time of the takeoff. Based on the evidence, it is likely that the pilot rotated too early during the takeoff with a tailwind and delayed retraction of the landing gear, all of which reduced the airplane's climb performance and led to its inability to clear the power lines beyond the end of the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA297 for the full record.