Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Trees Following Loss of Control During Takeoff Climb (N30150)

Fort Bragg, CA, US

On September 17, 1994, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N30150) operated by Sundance Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Bragg, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to adequately anticipate and compensate for the existing crosswind/windshear conditions during the takeoff initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft lost control during takeoff climb, stalled, and collided with trees. The pilot reported encountering an offshore breeze after clearing treetops, while surface winds were calm.

Overview

According to the investigation, the aircraft experienced an in-flight loss of control during the takeoff climb, resulting in a collision with trees. The pilot reported that the airplane stalled approximately three-quarters of a mile from the departure end of the runway.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot reached for the landing gear lever, the stall warning activated at 80 knots. Subsequently, the aircraft's left wing dropped to a 10-degree angle of bank. This was followed by a 60-degree right roll. The airplane then settled and struck trees while banked 30 degrees to the right.

Wind Conditions

The airport was situated in a clear area, but was surrounded by tall trees. The pilot noted that after the airplane cleared the treetops, it encountered an offshore breeze from the right. Although the pilot did not specify the wind speed, he stated that surface winds at the airport were calm. Meanwhile, low-level clouds were observed moving rapidly at the western boundary of the tree line.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 1994 Piper PA-28R-201 accident near Fort Bragg, CA?

An aircraft lost control during takeoff climb, stalled, and collided with trees. The pilot reported encountering an offshore breeze after clearing treetops, while surface winds were calm.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 1994 involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration N30150, operated by Sundance Flying Club, at Fort Bragg, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to adequately anticipate and compensate for the existing crosswind/windshear conditions during the takeoff initial climb.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02292. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.