Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the initial climb for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
A lineman on the field reported seeing the accident airplane taxi out from its parking place to the runway and begin the takeoff roll without performing a run-up inspection of the airplane. The lineman further reported that the pilot appeared to be "in a hurry." Another eyewitness who was located inside a hangar near the departure end of the runway reported hearing the engine of the airplane accelerate. When he stepped outside the hangar he saw the airplane coming towards him and began a gentle roll to his right until the wings were perpendicular to the ground. He did not see the airplane impact the ground; however, he stated that he never heard the engine falter and that it was running at takeoff power until the sound of impact. An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact deficiencies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08FA174 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Americus, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Souther Field Airport (ACJ)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 3
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A35
- N-number
- N546B
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.