Beechcraft A-36 Bonanza | N1089W

The DTSB determines the Probable cause of this accident to be pilot error, in that the pilot did encounter a reduced thrust during takeoff, with ample runway remaining in order to reject the takeoff, but elected to continue. The engine was not producing sufficient thrust after liftoff, and both speed and altitude were not gained, even though the landing gear was retracted. Witnesses heard both sputtering and a loud pop immediately after liftoff. The aircraft settled into terrain just off the end of the runway. There is no evidence that shows that this accident was a failed return for landing.

Probable Cause issued 8/20/2026 – 25 months after the accident: A loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following the loss of engine power and his decision to perform an intersection takeoff which, reduced the available landing distance following the loss of engine power.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and become conditioned for the AQP scenario called “Rejected Take Off” This concept or maneuver is not located in any FAA training or checkride material. The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become familiar with the AQP 50/70 rule and be ready to self abort instantly based on any of the standard abort criteria, on every takeoff.