Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Fence After Takeoff, Cargo Thrown Through Fuselage (N74JT)

Fresno, CA, US

On June 19, 1982, a Beech H-18 (registration N74JT) operated by West States Air Taxi was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After lift-off from runway 29R, the aircraft pitched up and rolled right. The pilot recovered but hit a fence, tearing off engines. Cargo shifted, and the aircraft burned. Investigation revealed overloaded bulkheads and untied freight.

Accident Summary

Shortly after lift-off from Runway 29R, the aircraft began to pitch up. As the pitch increased, the pilot applied right aileron and full right rudder. The aircraft responded by rolling to the right, and the nose dropped. The pilot was able to recover before the aircraft struck the ground. However, the aircraft then collided with a 6-foot-tall wire fence. The impact tore off the engines and caused the aircraft to rotate clockwise on the ground. The cargo inside was thrown through the side of the fuselage. The pilot exited the aircraft without injury. Immediately after the collision, the aircraft burst into flames, and the fuselage was severely burned.

Investigation Findings

An investigation determined that 2,989 pounds of freight, along with a 359-pound motorcycle, were being carried between bulkheads 5 and 11. The load limits for these bulkheads were 450 pounds for positions 5 through 8 and 300 pounds for positions 8 through 10. The estimated maximum gross weight at takeoff was 10,310 pounds. The pilot reported that none of the freight was tied down.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.