N/A Airport
Aircraft Accident/Incident Report

Laurel Hill, Florida 32567
Saturday, August 23, 2014 15:00 CDT

On August 23, 2014, about 1500 central daylight time, a Beech S35, N334DF, was destroyed during impact with trees and terrain and a subsequent post-impact fire near Laurel Hill, Florida, following a total loss of engine power. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which departed Bob Sikes Airport (CEW), Crestview, Florida, about 1450, and was destined for Florala Municipal Airport (0J4), Florala, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The purpose of the flight was to relocate the airplane from CEW to 0J4, where it could be stored in a hangar while the pilot traveled overseas. When the pilot attempted to complete the flight the day prior to the accident, he found that the airplane would not start. Attempts to jump-start the airplane were unsuccessful, the pilot requested that a mechanic at the fixed-base operator troubleshoot and repair the airplane so that the flight could be completed. The morning of the accident, the mechanic serviced the airplane's battery with fluid, placed it on a charger, and reinstalled it in the airplane. He then successfully started the engine and performed a run-up check. A lineman reported that the pilot arrived at CEW between 1400 and 1430 on the day of the accident. He observed as the pilot boarded the airplane, started the engine, and taxied the airplane to the runway for takeoff. He described the pilot's pre-takeoff engine run-up as unusually long, and stated that the pilot would typically "hop in and go." A witness located near the accident site observed the airplane circling over his home, and stated that the engine sounded as though it was revving up and down. As the airplane descended and flew towards a nearby field, he heard the engine "popping" and saw it trailing smoke. After watching the airplane descend into trees and impact the ground, he drove to the accident site to render assistance. The initial impact point (IIP) was identified as a tree about 80 feet in height, located at 30 degrees, 55.542 minutes north latitude, 86 degrees, 26.103 minutes west longitude. The wreckage path extended on a heading of about 310 degrees, with the outboard portion of the right wing located in a tree about 90 feet past the initial impact point. The outboard portion of the left wing came to rest near the base of the tree. A ground scar containing the propeller, which had separated from the engine at the propeller flange, was buried in the ground, was located about 110 feet beyond the IIP. The main wreckage came to rest upright on a heading of about 145 degrees about 125 feet past the IIP, and consisted of the fuselage, empennage, and the inboard portions of the wings. The fuselage was completely consumed by post-impact fire. Control continuity was established from the ruddervators and trim tabs to the cabin area, and aileron control cable continuity was established from the cabin area to the left and right bell cranks. Two breaches of the engine case were observed near the #2 and #4 cylinders.

Not Yet Reported