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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Tree and Vehicle Shortly After Night Takeoff (N6036E)

Roche Harbor, WA, US

On July 7, 1991, a Beech V35B (registration N6036E) operated by David J. Mees was involved in an aviation accident near Roche Harbor, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to depart toward rising terrain and trees instead of following the typical departure route over the harbor, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with obstacles shortly after 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane departed at night toward rising terrain, striking a tree, residence, and pickup truck shortly after leaving the runway. The pilot witness reported normal engine operation.

What happened

The aircraft departed during nighttime conditions, heading directly toward rising terrain and trees rather than over the harbor as is typical for this airport. Approximately 200 feet north of the runway centerline and about 150 feet from the departure end of the runway, the airplane struck a tree. Following this initial impact, the aircraft continued its trajectory and collided with a nearby residence and a pickup truck.

A pilot who witnessed the event stated that the engine sounded normal prior to the accident. Local pilots noted that standard takeoff procedures for this location involve departing toward the west over the harbor, suggesting the flight path deviated from normal operations.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to depart toward rising terrain and trees instead of following the typical departure route over the harbor, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with obstacles shortly after takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jul 1991 Beech V35B accident near Roche Harbor, WA?

An airplane departed at night toward rising terrain, striking a tree, residence, and pickup truck shortly after leaving the runway. The pilot witness reported normal engine operation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jul 1991 involved a Beech V35B, registration N6036E, operated by David J. Mees, at Roche Harbor, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to depart toward rising terrain and trees instead of following the typical departure route over the harbor, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with obstacles shortly after takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17685. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.