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.
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.