Casualties unknown

1995-05-30: Boeing A75N1 (N43286) — Rawlins, WY

Rawlins, WY, US

On May 30, 1995, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N43286) was involved in an aviation accident near Rawlins, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude turn at high density altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the terrain. 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
Aircraft registered N43286
Aircraft registered N43286. Photo: Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot attempted a right turn for noise abatement shortly after takeoff at high density altitude. Airspeed decayed, leading to a stall and terrain impact on rising ground.

What happened

The pilot reported that during the initial climb phase of takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of 100 feet above ground level (AGL). At this point, the pilot initiated a right turn in accordance with noise abatement procedures. Shortly after beginning the maneuver, the airspeed began to decrease significantly, and the aircraft ceased its upward climb.

As the aircraft lost altitude, the pilot became aware of rising terrain directly ahead. In an attempt to avoid the obstruction, the pilot attempted a left turn. However, the aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient lift. The airplane subsequently bounced on the terrain while in a three-point attitude before nosing over.

Findings

The accident occurred under conditions where performance was critically limited by environmental factors. The density altitude at the time of the incident was approximately 8,500 feet. This high density altitude reduces engine power output and wing efficiency, making it difficult to maintain airspeed during low-energy maneuvers such as turns near the ground.

The pilot's decision to initiate a turn immediately after takeoff, combined with the reduced performance capabilities due to the high density altitude, resulted in an inability to sustain flight. The aircraft stalled and impacted the terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a low-altitude turn at high density altitude, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with the terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03571. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.