Casualties unknown

1996-09-30: Republic RC-3 (N6103K) — Santa FE, NM

Santa FE, NM, US

On September 30, 1996, a Republic RC-3 (registration N6103K) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa FE, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to obtain/maintain airspeed resulting in an inadvertent stall/mush. Factors were the high density altitude and the lack of suitable terrain for the landing. 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 windshear and speed loss during takeoff, leading to an obstacle-laden forced landing. Witnesses observed the airplane in a high angle of attack and descending with a tail-low attitude.

Incident Overview

The pilot/owner, acting as pilot-in-command (PIC), reported a takeoff weight of 2,800 pounds and a performance climb rate of 290 feet per minute. After gear retraction at 80 mph, the airplane encountered windshear, causing the airspeed to decrease to 60 mph—just above the stall speed of 58 mph—and the airplane would not climb.

Passenger Warning and Pilot Response

The pilot-rated passenger cautioned the PIC that he was getting slow and not to stall the aircraft. The pilot then released back pressure on the yoke to recover from the impending stall, but there was insufficient altitude to recover level flight.

Forced Landing Obstacles

The forced landing area was obstructed by power lines, a fence, and vehicles.

Witness Observations

Witnesses observed the airplane rotate, fly in ground effect, not climb, and maintain a high angle of attack as it proceeded down the runway. Subsequently, the airplane was seen losing altitude and "sort of wobbling down with a tail low attitude."

Calculated Weight and Density Altitude

The takeoff weight was calculated to be at the maximum allowable 3,150 pounds. Density altitude was calculated at 7,600 feet.

Weather Conditions

VFR weather prevailed with clear skies, visibility of 40 miles, and winds from 360 degrees at 8 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06744. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.