No fatalities

1977-02-14: Beechcraft D18 (N321D) — Johnston Airways — Covington, United States of America

Covington, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 14, 1977, a Beechcraft D18 (registration N321D) operated by Johnston Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall during initial climb after the pilot completed a premature liftoff and failed to maintain flying speed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781228339Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot was seriously injured when the airplane stalled and crashed after a premature liftoff on a slush-covered runway. The aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Overview

A single-pilot operation ended in a crash after the aircraft stalled during initial climb. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was destroyed.

Accident Sequence

The accident occurred on a runway covered with slush. The pilot initiated a liftoff prematurely, before the aircraft had reached a safe flying speed. After rotation, the airplane stalled and subsequently crashed. Flight safety was compromised by the runway conditions and the early rotation.

Contributing Factors

Investigators identified several contributing factors. The pilot had not adequately prepared for the flight, and a physical impairment was noted. Additionally, the presence of ice and slush on the runway reduced available traction and aerodynamic performance. A cargo net was found underneath mail in the aircraft, and the pilot reported not feeling well before the flight.

Probable cause

Stall during initial climb after the pilot completed a premature liftoff and failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors were inadequate preflight preparation, physical impairment, ice/slush on runway, cargo net found underneath mail, and pilot not feeling well.