Aircraft crash following takeoff at Indianapolis Airport

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

A twin-engine airplane crashed during its initial climb at Indianapolis Airport after encountering wake turbulence, resulting in injuries to both occupants.

What happened

Shortly after departing from the runway at Indianapolis Airport, a twin engine airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The incident occurred while the aircraft was in its initial climb phase immediately following liftoff. The subsequent impact with the ground resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. There were two injuries reported among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the accident concluded that the pilot lost control of the aircraft due to environmental factors. Specifically, the aircraft encountered heavy wake turbulence generated by a Boeing 727 that had departed from the same runway just prior to the incident. This encounter with the preceding aircraft's vortex turbulence led to the uncontrolled descent and collision with the terrain.

Probable cause

The loss of control was caused by the aircraft encountering wake turbulence left by a departing Boeing 727.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1979-02-27 Beechcraft E18 accident near Indianapolis, United States of America?

A twin-engine airplane crashed during its initial climb at Indianapolis Airport after encountering wake turbulence, resulting in injuries to both occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 1979-02-27 Beechcraft E18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1979-02-27 involved a Beechcraft E18, registration N711TL, operated by Burlington Air Express, at Indianapolis, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of control was caused by the aircraft encountering wake turbulence left by a departing Boeing 727.

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