Beech 23 N2362Z accident near Coolin, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees after takeoff, during high density altitude weather conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he “saw rotate speed” and then pitched for best climb speed. He had no further memory of the event. A witness reported that they saw the airplane lift off from the runway and remain in ground effect until it crossed the departure end of the runway. As it crossed the departure end of the runway, it was in a left bank and then struck a tree. The airplane impacted a public beach and came to rest upright, in shallow water. The wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. At 1535, the temperature was 30°C, the dewpoint was 4°C, and the altimeter setting was 29.98. The calculated density altitude was 4,790 ft. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA290 for the full record.