Casualties unknown

Airplane Stalls After Rotation During Downwind Takeoff from Grass Strip (N5BH)

Jonesboro, AR, US

On July 13, 1999, a Beech C35 (registration N5BH) was involved in an aviation accident near Jonesboro, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors were the prevailing tailwind, and the airplane's over gross weight condition. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane stalled immediately after rotation during a downwind takeoff from a 2,500-foot grass strip. It impacted the ground near the departure end, and the landing gear struck a ditch and collapsed. The aircraft was calculated to be 220 pounds over maximum takeoff weight.

Event Details

The airplane stalled immediately after rotation while performing a downwind takeoff from a 2,500-foot grass airstrip. It impacted the ground in a nearly level attitude near the departure end of the airstrip. Subsequently, the landing gear struck a ditch and collapsed.

Weight and Balance

According to law enforcement personnel who responded to the accident site, a very large suitcase and a case of engine oil were present in the baggage compartment. The trooper estimated that the total weight of all four occupants exceeded 700 pounds. The IIC calculated that the airplane was 220 pounds over its maximum takeoff weight at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19269. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.