No fatalities

Airplane Strikes Runway with Wingtip During Takeoff

Lubbock, TX, United States

On September 25, 2019, a Beech 36 B36TC operated by We Gone Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper pitch trim setting during takeoff in a left quartering tailwind, which resulted in the airplane abruptly pitching up and subsequently experiencing an aerodynamic stall. 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

During takeoff, the airplane lifted off nose-high, stall warning activated, and after a right rotation and overcorrection, the left wingtip struck the runway, causing substantial damage. Elevator trim was found set to nose high.

Accident Sequence

During the takeoff roll at approximately 60 knots, the airplane became airborne in a nose-high attitude and the stall warning horn activated. When the airplane reached about 20 feet above the ground, it rotated to the right. The pilot overcorrected, causing the left-wing tip to strike the runway. Shortly thereafter, the pilot landed the airplane without further incident.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions occurred that would have prevented normal operation.

Weather Conditions

The automated weather observation station at the airport reported that, about 15 minutes before the accident, the wind was from 230° at 9 knots. The pilot reported the wind as calm. The airplane departed from runway 35L.

Post-Accident Findings

Post-accident inspection revealed that the elevator trim was set to the nose-high position. The pilot noted that he should have used a pre-takeoff checklist to verify the elevator trim was set to the takeoff position.

Contributing factors

PilotPitch control — Not attained/maintainedAngle of attack — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 2019 Beech 36 B36TC accident near Lubbock, TX?

During takeoff, the airplane lifted off nose-high, stall warning activated, and after a right rotation and overcorrection, the left wingtip struck the runway, causing substantial damage. Elevator trim was found set to nose high.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 2019 Beech 36 B36TC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 2019 involved a Beech 36 B36TC, operated by We Gone Llc, at Lubbock, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper pitch trim setting during takeoff in a left quartering tailwind, which resulted in the airplane abruptly pitching up and subsequently experiencing an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow a preflight checklist and verify that the elevator trim tab was…