No fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crash During Initial Climb (N1234G)

Chicago-O'Hare, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On April 3, 1979, a Beechcraft E18 (registration N1234G) operated by Burlington Air Express was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Uncontrolled collision with ground during initial climb due to vortex turbulence. The pilot failed to follow approved procedures. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A twin-engine aircraft stalled and crashed in flames during initial climb while en route to Indianapolis. The sole pilot was injured. The official probable cause was an uncontrolled collision with the ground due to vortex turbulence and failure to follow approved procedures.

Incident Overview and Outcome A twin-engine airplane experienced a stall at liftoff and subsequently crashed in flames. The aircraft was operating with a single occupant, the pilot, who sustained injuries in the accident. At the time of the incident, the flight was en route to Indianapolis. No other passengers or crew were on board, and the source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, or exact location of the crash. ## Official Probable Cause The investigation determined that the accident resulted from an uncontrolled collision with the ground during the initial climb. The contributing factor was vortex turbulence. Additionally, the pilot failed to follow approved procedures, which was cited as part of the official findings.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 1979 Beechcraft E18 accident near Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft stalled and crashed in flames during initial climb while en route to Indianapolis. The sole pilot was injured. The official probable cause was an uncontrolled collision with the ground due to vortex turbulence and failure to follow approved procedures.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 1979 Beechcraft E18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 1979 involved a Beechcraft E18, registration N1234G, operated by Burlington Air Express, at Chicago-O'Hare, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Uncontrolled collision with ground during initial climb due to vortex turbulence. The pilot failed to follow approved procedures.