No fatalities

Private Aircraft Exceeds Gross Weight, Strikes Wing Tip During Takeoff (N3790N)

Cameron Park, CA, US

On June 17, 1985, a Beech 35 (registration N3790N) was involved in an aviation accident near Cameron Park, CA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A private aircraft exceeded its maximum gross weight by 123 pounds and became airborne after 1150 feet of roll. It reached 10-15 feet altitude before the right wing tip struck the ground, causing a spin and post-crash fire. Occupants exited unassisted.

Incident Overview

A private aircraft operating under unknown pilot-in-command designation experienced a takeoff accident. The aircraft became airborne after only 1150 feet of runway roll, despite the runway being 4060 feet long. Density altitude at the time was computed as 4100 feet, and winds were very light.

Weight and Performance

The aircraft exceeded its maximum allowable gross weight by approximately 123 pounds. This condition likely affected performance during the takeoff phase.

Sequence of Events

After lifting off, the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 10 to 15 feet. At that point, the wings began to rock up and down. Subsequently, the right wing tip contacted dirt off the right side of the runway. The aircraft then spun around in a clockwise manner, coming to rest 1550 feet from where the takeoff was initiated.

Post-Crash Fire and Evacuation

A post-crash fire commenced immediately. However, the occupants were able to exit the aircraft on their own. No pre-impact failure or malfunction of the aircraft was found or reported.

Investigation Findings

It could not be determined which of the two private pilots on board was serving as pilot-in-command or at the controls.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jun 1985 Beech 35 accident near Cameron Park, CA?

A private aircraft exceeded its maximum gross weight by 123 pounds and became airborne after 1150 feet of roll. It reached 10-15 feet altitude before the right wing tip struck the ground, causing a spin and post-crash fire. Occupants exited unassisted.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Jun 1985 Beech 35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jun 1985 involved a Beech 35, registration N3790N, at Cameron Park, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36804. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.