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Aircraft Overweight and Aft CG Leads to Stall During Initial Climb (N5999C)

Omaha, NE, US

On September 2, 1995, a Beech C35 (registration N5999C) was involved in an aviation accident near Omaha, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure the aircraft was within weight and balance limits prior to takeoff, which resulted in an inability to maintain controlled flight during the initial climb. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot reported trouble during initial climb after takeoff from a tower-controlled airport. The aircraft entered a steep left turn, stalled, and crashed due to being overweight and having an aft center of gravity.

What happened

Air traffic control provided the pilot with wind information indicating a wind direction of zero three zero degrees at seventeen knots just prior to granting takeoff clearance. Following this advisory, the pilot elected to utilize runway 32R for departure.

Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot transmitted a message indicating that he was experiencing mechanical or operational trouble. Observers noted the aircraft executing a steep turn to the left. This maneuver quickly resulted in an aerodynamic stall condition.

The investigation

Post-accident analysis revealed critical loading errors. The airplane was found to exceed the maximum allowable gross weight limit established for safe operation. Additionally, the distribution of weight placed the center of gravity aft of the rearward limit, creating a severe stability issue during the climb phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure the aircraft was within weight and balance limits prior to takeoff, which resulted in an inability to maintain controlled flight during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Sept 1995 Beech C35 accident near Omaha, NE?

The pilot reported trouble during initial climb after takeoff from a tower-controlled airport. The aircraft entered a steep left turn, stalled, and crashed due to being overweight and having an aft center of gravity.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Sept 1995 involved a Beech C35, registration N5999C, at Omaha, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure the aircraft was within weight and balance limits prior to takeoff, which resulted in an inability to maintain controlled flight during the initial climb.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04436. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.