Casualties unknown

1994-08-21: Beech A36 (N36DY) — Peter K. Weiser — So. Lake Tahoe, CA

So. Lake Tahoe, CA, US

On August 21, 1994, a Beech A36 (registration N36DY) operated by Peter K. Weiser was involved in an aviation accident near So. Lake Tahoe, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff when the performance deficiency first became apparent. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported encountering windshear and a downdraft shortly after lift-off, leading to a stall warning and loss of climb performance. The pilot aborted the takeoff but was unable to stop before overrunning the runway and hitting a fence.

Circumstances

Just after lifting off from Runway 18 at an altitude of 50 feet, the pilot encountered a windshear condition accompanied by a downdraft. Simultaneously, the stall warning horn activated, and the aircraft ceased to climb. The density altitude for the takeoff, conducted in a 90-degree crosswind, was calculated at 8,700 feet.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted once more to accelerate the aircraft to a safe gear and flap retraction speed and to resume climbing, but the aircraft did not respond. Concerned about the ability to clear trees and higher terrain beyond the departure end of the runway, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff.

Outcome

Despite the abort, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before it overran the departure end of the 8,544-foot-long runway. The aircraft subsequently collided with an airport boundary fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02091. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.