No fatalities

Airplane Damaged Beyond Repair After Premature Takeoff Due to Sudden Crosswind (N91016)

Nikolski, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On May 29, 1965, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration N91016) operated by Reeve Aleutian Airways - RAA was involved in an aviation accident near Nikolski, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Premature takeoff caused by sudden crosswind. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N91016
Aircraft registered N91016. Photo: Ckt2packet / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An airplane experienced a premature liftoff during takeoff roll due to a sudden crosswind gusting to 28 knots. The aircraft stalled, struck the runway, veered off, and came to rest with a collapsed right main gear. All five occupants evacuated safely; the airplane was damaged beyond repair.

Accident Summary

A sudden crosswind gusting to 28 knots during the takeoff roll caused an airplane to lift off prematurely. The aircraft subsequently stalled, contacted the runway surface, and veered off the runway. It came to rest with its right main landing gear partially collapsed. All five occupants evacuated the airplane safely, and the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Sequence of Events

While rolling for takeoff, the airplane encountered a sudden crosswind gust. This gust, which reached 28 knots, induced an unintended early liftoff. The airplane then entered an aerodynamic stall. It struck the runway, veered away from the runway centerline, and came to a stop off the runway. The right main landing gear partially collapsed during the event.

Occupant Evacuation

All five individuals on board were able to exit the airplane without injury. No injuries were reported among the occupants.

Damage Assessment

As a result of the occurrence, the airplane sustained damage beyond repair. The aircraft was not economically repairable.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause of the accident is: "Premature takeoff caused by sudden crosswind."