No fatalities

Uncontrolled Aircraft Crash During Initial Climb (N8611A)

Corona, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On November 14, 1979, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N8611A) operated by Dale Rodenbeek was involved in an aviation accident near Corona, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The pilot stated that he encountered control difficulties after takeoff. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N8611A
Aircraft registered N8611A. Photo: Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An aircraft crashed in flames during initial climb after experiencing control difficulties. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries, and the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Incident Overview and Outcome During the initial climb phase following liftoff, the aircraft became difficult to control and subsequently crashed in flames. The incident resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft by fire. All three occupants on board managed to escape the burning wreckage, sustaining only minor injuries in the process. ## Official Investigation Findings The official investigation concluded that the exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The pilot reported encountering control difficulties immediately after takeoff, which preceded the crash. No specific mechanical failure, environmental factor, or other definitive cause was identified in the official findings.

Probable cause

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The pilot stated that he encountered control difficulties after takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Nov 1979 Beechcraft D18 accident near Corona, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed in flames during initial climb after experiencing control difficulties. All three occupants escaped with minor injuries, and the exact cause of the accident could not be determined.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Nov 1979 Beechcraft D18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Nov 1979 involved a Beechcraft D18, registration N8611A, operated by Dale Rodenbeek, at Corona, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. The pilot stated that he encountered control difficulties after takeoff.