Casualties unknown

1989-10-09: Beech A36 (N6029S) — Las Vegas, NM

Las Vegas, NM, US

On October 9, 1989, a Beech A36 (registration N6029S) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, WHEN SHE FAILED TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT SPEED WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE TAKEOFF DISTANCE. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted two takeoffs due to insufficient acceleration and crashed on a third attempt from a 5000-ft runway with calm wind and 8800-ft density altitude.

Accident Details

The accident occurred during takeoff from a 5000-foot-long asphalt runway. Conditions were calm wind with a density altitude of 8800 feet. The pilot attempted three takeoffs; the first two were aborted when the aircraft did not reach takeoff speed.

Pilot's Account

According to the pilot, prior to the first takeoff attempt, detonation occurred during the runup. She enriched the mixture and then applied full power with the mixture control out about 2 inches. The aircraft did not accelerate properly, so she aborted the takeoff. During the second attempt, the pilot stated she did not advance the throttle all the way. On the third attempt, the pilot reported that speed improved to 65 knots indicated airspeed. As the end of the runway approached, she pulled the aircraft off the ground. A stall warning horn sounded, the nose dropped, and with no additional power, the aircraft hit the ground and rolled through the grass.

Performance Data

According to the takeoff chart for this aircraft, the takeoff distance under the prevailing conditions should have been approximately 2000 feet. The actual outcome differed significantly from the charted performance.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29585. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.