What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-02-14 involved a Beech C23, registration N9146S, operated by Dawson, John M., at Concord, NC.

Aborted Takeoff Ends in Nose-Over After Wind Shift (N9146S)

On February 14, 1991, a Beech C23 (registration N9146S) operated by Dawson, John M. was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to note the crosswind limits in the pilot's handbook. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During takeoff, a wind shift from headwind to tailwind caused a wing dip, prompting an abort. The airplane later nosed over into a stream after failing to ground loop on a wet grass runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the wind shifted from a headwind to a tailwind. This change caused one wing to dip, and the airplane descended back into ground effect. Noting trees at the end of the runway, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff.

Runway Conditions and Maneuver

The runway, composed of grass and dirt, was wet. As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot attempted a ground loop to avoid departing the runway, but the airplane continued in a straight line while moving sideways. The pilot then realigned the aircraft with the runway direction.

Accident Sequence

Despite the realignment, the airplane rolled off the end of the runway into a stream and nosed over. The pilot noted that a cold front had recently passed, resulting in strong and gusty winds.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported being aware of the winds but acknowledged failing to consult the crosswind limits specified in the pilot's handbook.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to note the crosswind limits in the pilot's handbook.

1991-02-14: Beech C23 (N9146S) — Dawson, John M. — Concord, NC