Beech 95-B55 (T42A) N945B accident near North Las Vegas, Nevada

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to set the flaps to the proper configuration for takeoff.

NTSB analysis

During takeoff roll, while rotating, the pilot noted that there was insufficient airspeed and responded by pushing the nose down. Subsequently, the nose gear impacted the runway and collapsed, and the airplane veered off the right side of the runway resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot reported that the flaps were extended more than 10° takeoff setting, and that he did not check where they were set during the attempted takeoff. Additionally, an airport video showed the airplane porpoising down the runway and the flaps were observed extended pass the typical takeoff setting. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded the normal operation of the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA215 for the full record.