On July 19, 1989, a Beech A36 (registration N26208) operated by Lubben, John F. Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Cimarron, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate climb performance due to high density altitude and variable winds, resulting in the aircraft settling into a rocky area off the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft failed to climb out of ground effect during takeoff due to high density altitude and variable winds, settling into a rocky area beside the runway.
What happened
The pilot and witnesses reported that wind conditions were light and variable, with shifts in direction occurring during the takeoff roll. At the time of departure, the density altitude was approximately 8,000 feet. During the takeoff phase, the aircraft was unable to climb out of ground effect. It drifted to the left side of the runway before settling into a rocky area adjacent to the pavement.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the performance capabilities of the aircraft under high density altitude conditions and the impact of variable wind patterns during the critical takeoff phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate climb performance due to high density altitude and variable winds, resulting in the aircraft settling into a rocky area off the runway.