3 fatalities

1978-01-18: De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (N982FL) — Frontier Airlines — Pueblo, United States of America

Pueblo, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On January 18, 1978, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N982FL) operated by Frontier Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Pueblo, United States of America during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall during initial climb after the crew failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors: failed to follow approved procedures, misused or failed to use flaps, flaps found in fully extended 30° position, flap setting for normal takeoff is 10°. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781227147Data APIEditorial standards

During a local training flight, after completing approaches to runways 27 and 17, the crew initiated a takeoff from runway 17. During initial climb at 100-150 feet, the airplane stalled and crashed. All three occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

A local training flight at Pueblo-Memorial Airport ended in a crash when the airplane stalled during initial climb. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact, and all three occupants were killed.

Sequence of Events

The crew flew an approach to runway 27, then completed a circuit and a second approach to runway 17. After making a complete stop, the crew initiated a takeoff from runway 17. During the initial climb, at a height of 100 to 150 feet, the airplane nosed over, stalled, and crashed near the end of the runway.

Investigation Results

Investigators determined that the probable cause of the accident was a stall during initial climb. The crew failed to maintain flying speed. Contributing factors were identified: the crew failed to follow approved procedures; they misused or failed to use flaps; and the flaps were found in the fully extended 30° position. The normal flap setting for takeoff is 10°.

Conclusion

The crash resulted in the destruction of the aircraft and fatal injuries to all three occupants.