Casualties unknown

Overweight Aircraft Settles After Liftoff, Strikes Vegetation and Terrain (N3239J)

Rayville, LA, US

On July 2, 1987, a Cessna T188C (registration N3239J) operated by Scs Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Rayville, LA. 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

An aircraft took off eastbound due to west-end obstructions. With a right crosswind to slight tailwind, liftoff was achieved but the aircraft settled after exiting ground effect. It struck high vegetation beyond the runway, then touched down on rough terrain, causing a nose-down stop.

Report Details

An aircraft departed eastbound because obstructions at the west end of the airstrip prevented takeoff in that direction. The wind was reported as six to eight knots, variable from a right crosswind to a slight tailwind.

Accident Sequence

Investigation revealed that the aircraft's weight exceeded the maximum weight established by the manufacturer. Liftoff was achieved, but the aircraft began settling as soon as it climbed out of ground effect. The descent was arrested, but climb could not be re-established before the aircraft contacted high vegetation beyond the end of the runway and descended to the ground. Touchdown occurred on rough terrain.

Damage and Impact

The combination of high vegetation and rough terrain caused the aircraft to nose down before it came to a stop.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31502. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.