No fatalities

25 Sep 2019: Beech 36 B36TC — We Gone Llc — Lubbock, TX

Lubbock, TX, United States

On 25 Sep 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 1778583330Data 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