On April 11, 2002, a Beech E18S (registration N686Q) operated by Charles T. Madsen was involved in an aviation accident near Juneau, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive loading of the airplane that precipitated an inadvertent stall/mush during the initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A personal flight carrying wooden roofing shakes ended in an accident after the airplane exhibited unusual pitch and roll behavior, then descended into tidal mud flats. Investigation revealed takeoff weight exceeded maximum by 1,400.8 pounds.
Accident Overview
A certificated airline transport pilot was conducting a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight to deliver a load of wooden roofing shakes to a friend's remote lodge. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane reached about 200 to 300 feet above the ground when it abruptly pitched up approximately 70 degrees and drifted to the right. The airplane continued turning right as the nose lowered momentarily. At a very slow airspeed, the landing gear extended. The nose pitched up again, the right wing dropped, and the airplane descended. One witness described the descent as "The wings rocked back and forth as it descended, like a card in the wind, with the nose of the airplane slightly higher." The airplane impacted shallow water in an area of tidal mud flats.
Investigation Findings
A postaccident investigation determined that the estimated gross weight at takeoff was 11,500.8 pounds, which exceeded the airplane's maximum takeoff gross weight by 1,400.8 pounds. The airplane's center of gravity could not be calculated because the exact location or station of the cargo could not be determined. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies.