Aircraft stall and ground impact during skydiving mission

No fatalities • Lakeside, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft carrying eleven people crashed during a takeoff attempt while performing a local skydiving flight, resulting in one serious injury.

What happened

During a local skydiving operation, an aircraft carrying ten passengers and one pilot experienced a fatal loss of control during the departure phase. The flight was conducting a routine mission when the pilot initiated a rotation after the plane had traveled approximately 900 feet along the runway.

As the aircraft reached a speed of 75 mph, it lifted off the ground but subsequently entered a stall. This aerodynamic stall caused the plane to strike the terrain and veer away from the runway path. The impact resulted in the aircraft catching fire, and the wreckage was completely destroyed. All eleven people on board were successfully rescued from the scene, though one passenger sustained serious injuries.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the crash was the result of a premature lift-off. The pilot failed to achieve or sustain the necessary airspeed required for safe flight during the takeoff sequence.

Probable cause

The pilot attempted to lift off the runway before reaching an adequate flying speed, leading to an aerodynamic stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-02-14 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident near Lakeside, United States of America?

An aircraft carrying eleven people crashed during a takeoff attempt while performing a local skydiving flight, resulting in one serious injury.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-02-14 Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-02-14 involved a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, registration N4709C, operated by Aerospace Products, at Lakeside, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot attempted to lift off the runway before reaching an adequate flying speed, leading to an aerodynamic stall.

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