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Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Strikes Tree After Takeoff from Upslope Runway (N99585)

Dunsmuir, CA, US

On August 5, 1992, an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C (registration N99585) operated by Ryan, Terry W. was involved in an aviation accident near Dunsmuir, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM ANY PREFLIGHT PLANNING OR PREPARATION AND SELECTED THE WRONG RUNWAY. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE EXISTING TAILWIND, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. 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

A private pilot took off from an upslope runway with a 4-knot tailwind in a heavily loaded airplane. The aircraft used almost all runway length to lift off, failed to climb, and struck a fir tree about a quarter mile from the runway end. No preexisting malfunctions were found.

Departure and Conditions

A private pilot commenced takeoff from an upslope runway. The wind was a 4-knot tailwind. The airplane was heavily loaded at the time. The runway gradient was plus 1.11 percent, and the density altitude was 5,900 feet mean sea level.

Takeoff Roll

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft used all but approximately 100 feet of the runway before lifting off.

Collision

After becoming airborne, the aircraft failed to climb. It subsequently collided with a large fir tree located about a quarter mile from the departure end of the runway.

Wreckage Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preexisting malfunctions or failures. Investigators found the throttle in the full power position and the mixture control in the full rich position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Aug 1992 Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C accident near Dunsmuir, CA?

A private pilot took off from an upslope runway with a 4-knot tailwind in a heavily loaded airplane. The aircraft used almost all runway length to lift off, failed to climb, and struck a fir tree about a quarter mile from the runway end. No preexisting malfunctions were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Aug 1992 involved an Ercoupe (eng & Research Corp.) 415C, registration N99585, operated by Ryan, Terry W., at Dunsmuir, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM ANY PREFLIGHT PLANNING OR PREPARATION AND SELECTED THE WRONG RUNWAY. FACTORS RELATING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE EXISTING TAILWIND, HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15435. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.