No fatalities

Aircraft Loss of Control During Initial Climb Results in Terrain Collision (N32809)

Laconia, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On November 1, 1984, a Beechcraft G18S (registration N32809) operated by Wiggins Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Laconia, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight, Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb. Findings: 1. (c) airspeed (vs) - not maintained - pilot in command. 2. Remedial action - initiated - pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft pitched up, decelerated, and rolled right shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted corrective actions but lost control, leading to an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. Both occupants were injured.

Accident Overview

According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the aircraft began to pitch up, decelerate, and roll right. He reduced power and lowered the nose in an unsuccessful attempt to regain control. No mechanical malfunctions were reported. Both occupants sustained injuries.

Accident Sequence

The sequence comprised two occurrences. The first was a loss of control during the initial climb phase of takeoff. The second was an in-flight collision with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent.

Findings

Official findings identified that airspeed was not maintained by the pilot in command. Additionally, the pilot initiated remedial action. The loss of control occurred during takeoff initial climb, and the subsequent collision with terrain/water happened during an uncontrolled descent.

Probable Cause

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight, Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb. Findings: 1. (c) airspeed (vs) - not maintained - pilot in command. 2. Remedial action - initiated - pilot in command. Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water, Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Nov 1984 Beechcraft G18S accident near Laconia, United States of America?

An aircraft pitched up, decelerated, and rolled right shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted corrective actions but lost control, leading to an uncontrolled descent and collision with terrain. Both occupants were injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Nov 1984 Beechcraft G18S accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Nov 1984 involved a Beechcraft G18S, registration N32809, operated by Wiggins Airways, at Laconia, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight, Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb. Findings: 1. (c) airspeed (vs) - not maintained - pilot in command. 2. Remedial action - initiated - pilot in command. Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water, Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled.