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Pilot Attributes Descent After Rotation to Wind Shear

Twenty Nine Palms, CA, United States

On March 21, 2010, a BEECH 23 was involved in an aviation accident near Twenty Nine Palms, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the accident was the direct result of wind shear. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

After rotation, the airplane descended at best angle-of-climb airspeed. The pilot executed a forced landing, striking rising terrain 150-200 feet from the departure end, substantially damaging the right wing. Winds were variable at 6 knots gusting to 15 knots. No anomalies were reported.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, after rotating and establishing the best angle-of-climb airspeed, the airplane began to descend. The pilot described the descent as if the airplane had lost lift or was being pushed downward. The airspeed indication remained at the best angle-of-climb value while the airplane descended. Recognizing that impact with terrain was inevitable, the pilot configured the airplane for a forced landing. The airplane then struck rising terrain located approximately 150 to 200 feet from the departure end of the runway. The collision substantially damaged the right wing.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that wind conditions were variable at 6 knots with gusts reaching 15 knots. He expressed the opinion that the accident resulted directly from wind shear and that it could not have been prevented or detected beforehand. Additionally, the pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have prevented normal operation.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that the accident was the direct result of wind shear.

Contributing factors

Effect on operationCapability exceeded
Weather

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 2010 BEECH 23 accident near Twenty Nine Palms, CA?

After rotation, the airplane descended at best angle-of-climb airspeed. The pilot executed a forced landing, striking rising terrain 150-200 feet from the departure end, substantially damaging the right wing. Winds were variable at 6 knots gusting to 15 knots. No anomalies were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Mar 2010 BEECH 23 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 2010 involved a BEECH 23, at Twenty Nine Palms, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reported that the accident was the direct result of wind shear.

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