Beech A-36 N36CL accident near Tampa, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with a tailwind and his failure to maintain runway alignment during initial takeoff climb.

NTSB analysis

The pilot attempted a takeoff from runway 5, a 5,000-foot-long runway. The winds at the time of the accident were from 220 degrees at 6 knots. A witness observed the airplane taking off on the last one-third of the runway. The airplane's landing gear was observed to be retracted as the airplane drifted left of the runway and the right wing tip collided with an instrument landing system (ILS) glideslope antenna. The airplane impacted the ground and ultimately came to rest right side up, immediately catching fire. The ILS glideslope antenna was located 212 feet left of the runway 5 centerline and 3,461 feet from the runway 5 threshold. The exact takeoff roll start point on the last one-third of the runway was not determined. Examination of the airplane structure, flight controls, systems, engine assemblies, and accessories, revealed no evidence of precrash mechanical failure or malfunction.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for MIA08FA144 for the full record.