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Casualties unknown

Takeoff Accident Following Wind Shift (N2061L)

Millis, MA, US

On May 3, 1992, a Beech 24 (registration N2061L) operated by Stephen G. Turcott was involved in an aviation accident near Millis, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE FLYING SPEED DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING WAS A DOWNWIND 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft crashed into a residential backyard after experiencing a nose-high attitude, settling, and wobbling during takeoff. Witnesses reported a wind shift from southwest to due south.

Approach and Landing

During the approach, the wind sock indicated a west wind, so the pilot elected to land on Runway 18. During the landing rollout, it was necessary to use part of the overrun to bring the airplane to a stop.

Second Leg and Takeoff

After picking up a second passenger, the pilot departed 25 minutes later on the second leg of the trip, this time using Runway 36. Witnesses stated that the wind was out of the southwest at 10 to 15 knots and switched to due south during the takeoff roll.

Accident Sequence

On takeoff, the aircraft rotated in a nose-high attitude and climbed to about 200 feet, where it started to settle and wobble side to side. The aircraft then descended through a line of trees and crashed in the back yard of a private residence, one-quarter mile from the end of the runway.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 1992 Beech 24 accident near Millis, MA?

An aircraft crashed into a residential backyard after experiencing a nose-high attitude, settling, and wobbling during takeoff. Witnesses reported a wind shift from southwest to due south.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 1992 involved a Beech 24, registration N2061L, operated by Stephen G. Turcott, at Millis, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE FLYING SPEED DURING TAKEOFF CLIMB WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL AND INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING WAS A DOWNWIND TAKEOFF.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14579. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.