1989-01-19: Douglas DC-3 — Unknown — Laredo, TX

Casualties unknown • Laredo, TX, US

Probable cause

THE PIC'S DISREGARD FOR THE SECURITY OF THE CARGO THAT PERMITTED ITS SHIFT DURING THE TAKOEFF ROLL. THIS RESULTED IN AN AFT CG SITUATION AND A SUBSEQUENT STALL AND LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE MISMANAGEMENT OF THE ENGINE POWER BY THE CREW AND THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE OF THE CO-PILOT.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING TAKEOFF FROM RUNWAY 35L, THE CO-PILOT ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS REDUCED LEFT PROPELLER AND RIGHT ENGINE POWER AT AN ALTITUDE OF LESS THAN 100 FEET AGL. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTORE TAKEOFF POWER WHILE APPLYING FORWARD PRESSURE ON THE CONTROL YOKE, BUT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IMPACTED THE TERRAIN ADJACENT TO THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY. HE FURTHER STATED THAT THE CARGO MAY HAVE SHIFTED TO THE REAR OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING TAKEOFF.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-01-19 Douglas DC-3 accident near Laredo, TX?

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING TAKEOFF FROM RUNWAY 35L, THE CO-PILOT ON THE FLIGHT CONTROLS REDUCED LEFT PROPELLER AND RIGHT ENGINE POWER AT AN ALTITUDE OF LESS THAN 100 FEET AGL. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTORE TAKEOFF POWER WHILE APPLYING FORWARD PRESSURE ON THE CONTROL YOKE, BUT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND IMPACTED THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-01-19 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration XBDYP, at Laredo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PIC'S DISREGARD FOR THE SECURITY OF THE CARGO THAT PERMITTED ITS SHIFT DURING THE TAKOEFF ROLL. THIS RESULTED IN AN AFT CG SITUATION AND A SUBSEQUENT STALL AND LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT WAS THE MISMANAGEMENT OF THE ENGINE POWER BY THE CREW AND THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE OF THE…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27588. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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