On September 17, 2000, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N14774) was involved in an aviation accident near Las Cruces, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved road surface, which resulted in the left wing striking mesquite brush shortly after liftoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a short-field takeoff from an unbladed road after being advised the local airstrip was unusable. The aircraft struck mesquite brush shortly after liftoff, resulting in a spin.
What happened
The incident began when the ranch foreman informed the pilot that the private airstrip had not been maintained—specifically bladed or rolled—in three years. Due to these conditions, the foreman suggested utilizing a nearby road for departure instead.
The pilot inspected approximately 4,000 feet of the roadway and determined it was suitable for takeoff operations. A short-field takeoff procedure was then initiated into a light headwind ranging from 5 to 7 knots. As the aircraft lifted off the surface, the left wing struck mesquite brush. This contact caused the airplane to spin around.
The investigation
The physical evidence indicated that the primary failure occurred during the initial climb phase. The aircraft's left wing made contact with vegetation immediately after becoming airborne. No further mechanical failures were reported in the narrative provided.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved road surface, which resulted in the left wing striking mesquite brush shortly after liftoff.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Sept 2000 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Las Cruces, NM?
A pilot attempted a short-field takeoff from an unbladed road after being advised the local airstrip was unusable. The aircraft struck mesquite brush shortly after liftoff, resulting in a spin.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Sept 2000 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N14774, at Las Cruces, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from an unimproved road surface, which resulted in the left wing striking mesquite brush shortly after liftoff.
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