On July 7, 1994, a Beech A36 (registration N107JT) was involved in an aviation accident near Wichita, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's attempt to take off into known adverse weather and the subsequent stall. Factors were the thunderstorm, the tailwind, and the excessive airplane gross weight and aft center of gravity. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft departed Runway 18 as a strong gust front arrived, with a Level 6 thunderstorm adjacent. Witness saw nose pitch up and left wing drop. Wreckage showed no preimpact mechanical failure; weight was 183 lbs over max and CG aft of limit.
Accident Overview
An aircraft accident occurred when the airplane departed on Runway 18 as a strong northerly gust front arrived at the airport. National Weather Service reflectivity plots indicated a Level 6 thunderstorm adjacent to the airport at the time, with an abrupt wind shift and gusts reaching 58 knots.
Witness Observations
One witness reported that the airplane's nose pitched up and the left wing dropped, as if the airplane was about to enter a spin. The witness also noted that the engine sounded like it was producing full power.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.
Weight and Balance
The airplane's weight was 183 pounds in excess of the maximum takeoff weight, and the center of gravity was aft of the limit specified in the Pilot Operating Handbook for the maximum gross weight.