2 fatalities

1979-01-04: Beechcraft G18S (N104KC) — Union Flights — Sacramento-Executive, United States of America

Sacramento-Executive, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On January 4, 1979, a Beechcraft G18S (registration N104KC) operated by Union Flights was involved in an aviation accident near Sacramento-Executive, United States of America during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft entered a stall during the initial climb because the crew did not abort the takeoff and failed to preserve sufficient flying speed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 1781225739Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane crashed into flames near the runway immediately after liftoff, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

During the initial climb phase of flight, a twin engine airplane experienced an aerodynamic stall shortly after leaving the ground. The aircraft descended and impacted the area adjacent to the runway, where it subsequently caught fire. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.

There were two fatalities recorded in the accident, as both members of the flight crew perished in the crash. No other injuries were reported at the scene.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was a stall occurring during the early stages of the climb. This condition was precipitated by the crew's failure to abort the takeoff sequence despite developing issues, combined with an inability to maintain the necessary airspeed required for safe flight.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered a stall during the initial climb because the crew did not abort the takeoff and failed to preserve sufficient flying speed.