Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Rock during Departure from Private Airstrip near Independence, CA (N789D)

Independence, CA, US

On October 13, 1990, a Beech C35 (registration N789D) operated by Coxall, Richard was involved in an aviation accident near Independence, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN AN ALTITUDE ADEQUATE TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH OJBECTS DURING TAKEOFF. 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

The pilot reported to maintenance at Bishop Airport that the airplane hit a rock during departure from a private airstrip near Independence, CA. Maintenance found the forward wing spar separated from the attachment fitting. The required accident report has not been submitted.

Incident Overview

The pilot of an airplane reported to maintenance personnel at Bishop Airport that the aircraft had collided with a rock during departure from a privately owned airstrip near Independence, California. No further details about the circumstances of the collision were provided.

Damage

Maintenance personnel who inspected the airplane discovered that the forward wing spar had separated from its respective wing-to-fuselage attachment fitting. The extent of additional damage was not specified.

Reporting

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has not received the required Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1, from the pilot. The absence of this report was noted by the investigating authorities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24490. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.