No fatalities

Twin-Engine Airplane Stalls After Premature Lift-Off on Snow-Contaminated Runway (N3368Q)

Mount Vernon, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On December 1, 1974, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N3368Q) operated by Coal Resources was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Vernon, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall during initial climb after the pilot failed to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on a snow-contaminated runway with snow windrows, a twin-engine airplane became unstable; the pilot lifted off prematurely, leading to a stall, collision with a snow bank, and a crash. All four occupants were injured, two seriously.

Incident Details

The takeoff was attempted from a runway contaminated with snow windrows. The twin-engine airplane experienced instability during the takeoff roll. In response, the pilot decided to lift off prematurely.

Sequence of Events

After the premature lift-off, the aircraft stalled. It then collided with a snow bank and crashed, resulting in a fire.

Injuries and Damage

All four occupants on board were injured. Two of them sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a stall during initial climb after the pilot failed to maintain directional control. Contributing factors included the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff, failure to maintain flying speed, premature lift-off, snow on the runway, and snow windrows.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Dec 1974 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident near Mount Vernon, United States of America?

During takeoff on a snow-contaminated runway with snow windrows, a twin-engine airplane became unstable; the pilot lifted off prematurely, leading to a stall, collision with a snow bank, and a crash. All four occupants were injured, two seriously.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Dec 1974 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Dec 1974 involved a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II, registration N3368Q, operated by Coal Resources, at Mount Vernon, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall during initial climb after the pilot failed to maintain directional control.