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Casualties unknown

Training Accident During Simulated Soft Field Takeoff (N91072)

Suffolk, VA, US

On June 5, 1989, a Beech T-34B (registration N91072) operated by U.s. Navy was involved in an aviation accident near Suffolk, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL DUE TO FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE FLYING SPEED AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). THE INOPERATIVE STALL WARNING SYSTEM WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 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 CFI and student performed a simulated soft field takeoff on a paved runway. During multiple attempts to become airborne, the aircraft settled, then entered a left yawing turn and contacted terrain. The rear cockpit stall warning was inoperative.

Accident Sequence

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a simulated soft field takeoff from a paved runway when the accident occurred. The CFI reported that full power was applied with 75 percent flaps and full aft stick. After becoming airborne, the CFI released back pressure, causing the aircraft to settle back to the runway. Back pressure was reapplied, and the aircraft became airborne again. Upon releasing back pressure a second time, the aircraft once again settled toward the runway. To prevent the aircraft from contacting the runway, the CFI applied back pressure, and the aircraft entered what he described as a left yawing turn. Subsequently, the aircraft contacted the terrain in a left wing low attitude and skidded to a stop off the left side of the runway.

CFI Report

The CFI reported that the rear cockpit stall warning was inoperative and that the intercom system had an intermittent problem. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other specifics.

Aerodynamic stall

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1989 Beech T-34B accident near Suffolk, VA?

A CFI and student performed a simulated soft field takeoff on a paved runway. During multiple attempts to become airborne, the aircraft settled, then entered a left yawing turn and contacted terrain. The rear cockpit stall warning was inoperative.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1989 involved a Beech T-34B, registration N91072, operated by U.s. Navy, at Suffolk, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INADVERTENT STALL DUE TO FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE FLYING SPEED AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI). THE INOPERATIVE STALL WARNING SYSTEM WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. THE INTERMITTENT INTERCOMM PROBLEM WAS A POSSIBLE CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28504. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.