Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Trees During Initial Climb from Private Airstrip (N3842N)

Harrison, ID, US

On May 20, 1991, a Beech 35 (registration N3842N) operated by Thomas O. Thompson was involved in an aviation accident near Harrison, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION BY THE PILOT. THE TERRAIN CONDITION AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE WERE RELATED FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb from a private airstrip, an airplane was unable to climb over rising wooded terrain, collided with trees and crashed. The runway sloped upward toward the terrain; no mechanical failures were reported.

Accident Summary

An airplane crashed during the initial climb from a private airstrip. The aircraft was unable to climb over rising, wooded terrain and subsequently collided with trees, resulting in a crash. The accident occurred near the departure end of the runway, with the crash site elevation approximately 3000 feet, while the airport elevation was about 2700 feet.

Terrain and Runway Conditions

The runway sloped upward toward the rising terrain. In contrast, a downwind departure would have taken the aircraft over descending terrain and a lake. The difference in elevation between the airport and the crash site indicates a significant terrain rise immediately beyond the departure end.

Aircraft and Mechanical Information

No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported in connection with the accident. The investigation did not identify any issues with the aircraft's systems or structure that would have contributed to the inability to climb.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17113. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.