Casualties unknown

Private aircraft veers off runway during takeoff (N5047C)

Hartington, NE, US

On March 19, 1990, a Beech B35 (registration N5047C) was involved in an aviation accident near Hartington, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: DIRECTIONAL CONTROL NOT MAINTAINED BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. 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

A private pilot lost control shortly after takeoff, causing the aircraft to cross terrain and strike an embankment, resulting in substantial damage.

What happened

The private pilot intended to conduct a short flight primarily to warm up the engine for an upcoming oil change. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft began to veer to the left approximately 200 feet from the runway threshold. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control, and the aircraft careened across the adjacent terrain. It eventually came to rest against a dirt embankment located about 500 feet from the end of the runway.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the airframe, landing gear, and instrument panel. The pilot had accumulated approximately 12 hours of total time in this specific type of aircraft at the time of the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22798. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.