Casualties unknown

Aborted Takeoff Leads to Runway Excursion and Impact with Hidden Pipe (N6020P)

Riverside, CA, US

On January 16, 1985, a Beech C24R (registration N6020P) was involved in an aviation accident near Riverside, 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted takeoff after the aircraft failed to sustain flight, landed with one wheel on grass, and could not stop before striking a concrete pipe. Windshear and tailwind were reported.

Aborted Takeoff and Landing

The pilot attempted an aborted takeoff when the aircraft failed to sustain flight. During the subsequent landing, the aircraft touched down with one wheel on the grass alongside the runway. The pilot realized too late that normal braking was insufficient to stop the landing roll before the aircraft went over an embankment and struck a hidden concrete pipe.

Weather Conditions

A windshift had just occurred, and there were reports of turbulence and windshear around the airport. The pilot noted a quartering tailwind partway down the runway.

Previous Attempt

Earlier, the pilot had aborted a takeoff in another aircraft of the same type and returned to the fixed-base operator (FBO). The pilot requested an aircraft with more power, but the request was not honored. The pilot then accepted a second aircraft of the same type, which had earlier failed to sustain flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jan 1985 Beech C24R accident near Riverside, CA?

A pilot aborted takeoff after the aircraft failed to sustain flight, landed with one wheel on grass, and could not stop before striking a concrete pipe. Windshear and tailwind were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jan 1985 involved a Beech C24R, registration N6020P, at Riverside, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X35534. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.