NTSB ACCIDENT REPORT:
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NTSB Identification: LAX04FA178
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, April 05, 2004 in Elko, NV
Aircraft: Beech V35, registration: N7923M
Injuries: 2 Serious.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On April 5, 2004, at 0820 Pacific daylight time, a Beech V35, N7923M, collided with terrain during takeoff from the Elko Regional Airport, Elko, Nevada. The pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airline transport pilot and one passenger sustained serious injuries; the airplane was destroyed. The flight was originating at the time, with an ultimate destination of the Monmouth Executive Airport, Belmar/Farmingdale, New Jersey. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed.

Airport personnel stated that the pilot and the passenger arrived the previous day, approximately 1300. They refueled the airplane with 37.5 gallons of fuel. They retired to their hotel, and returned to the airport at 0800 the morning of the accident.

A witness reported that the airplane was departing runway 5. The airplane rotated approximately 5,000 feet down the runway.

An additional witness reported that during takeoff, the airplane was wallowing about 12 feet above ground level (agl). The airplane cleared the airport fence by 4 feet, and then touched down about 80 yards from the fence. The airplane hit objects, and a post-impact fire consumed the airplane.

According to the Airport Facility Directory (AFD), Southwest, runway 5 is 7,214 feet in length. The field elevation is 5,140 feet msl.