On April 26, 1999, a Beech 36 (registration N31291) was involved in an aviation accident near Williamston, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of winds that resulted in the loss of directional control during an attempted takeoff with a tailwind. A factor was the tailwind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff, a wind gust lifted the left wing; the pilot aborted. The aircraft bounced, veered left off runway 3. No mechanical issues reported. The pilot's medical certificate had expired.
Event Description
During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported experiencing a wind gust that caused the left wing to rise. In response, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. As the airplane settled back onto the runway, it bounced and subsequently veered off the left side of runway 3. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane.
Weather and Pilot Information
A review of available weather data indicated that the prevailing winds were from 300 degrees at 9 knots. Other sources reported winds from the southwest at 10 knots. An examination of the pilot's certification records revealed that his medical certificate had expired.