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Tail Drop and Oscillation Lead to Crash at High Density Altitude (N6368C)

Gunnison, CO, US

On August 6, 1994, a Beech B36TC (registration N6368C) was involved in an aviation accident near Gunnison, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after takeoff in conditions of high density altitude and heavy loading, which resulted in a tail drop and subsequent oscillation. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A witness reported the aircraft was heavily loaded yet utilized ample runway for takeoff. Immediately after liftoff, the tail dropped significantly and the plane began oscillating laterally before striking the ground at a computed density altitude of 10,254 feet.

What happened

According to a witness account, the airplane was loaded heavily prior to departure. Despite the significant weight, the pilot utilized plenty of runway for the takeoff roll. As soon as the aircraft lifted off the ground, the tail dropped significantly. Following this pitch change, the airplane began to oscillate from left to right before striking the terrain.

The investigation

The investigation noted that the density altitude was computed at 10,254 feet MSL during the event. This high density altitude likely contributed to the aircraft's performance limitations during the critical takeoff phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after takeoff in conditions of high density altitude and heavy loading, which resulted in a tail drop and subsequent oscillation.
Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 1994 Beech B36TC accident near Gunnison, CO?

A witness reported the aircraft was heavily loaded yet utilized ample runway for takeoff. Immediately after liftoff, the tail dropped significantly and the plane began oscillating laterally before striking the ground at a computed density altitude of 10,254 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 1994 involved a Beech B36TC, registration N6368C, at Gunnison, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after takeoff in conditions of high density altitude and heavy loading, which resulted in a tail drop and subsequent oscillation.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02043. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.