No fatalities

Aircraft Damaged Beyond Repair After Runway Excursion at Lubbock Airport (N25)

Lubbock, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On March 11, 1971, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N25) operated by Federal Aviation Administration - FAA was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to maintain directional control and failed to obtain/maintain flying speed. Contributing factors: improper level off, aircraft veered with different engine power, tailwheel not locked. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 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

During a takeoff roll to check Lubbock Airport facilities, an aircraft became uncontrollable, veered off the runway, and came to rest with its landing gear retracted. All three crew members were uninjured.

Incident Overview

A crew of three was conducting a check of Lubbock Airport facilities when the aircraft experienced a loss of control during the takeoff roll. The airplane veered off the runway and subsequently came to a stop with its undercarriage raised.

Injuries and Damage

All three crew members were uninjured. The aircraft, however, sustained damage beyond repair.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was the crew's failure to maintain directional control and failure to obtain or maintain flying speed. The following factors were reported in connection with the event:

  • Improper level off
  • The aircraft veered with different engine power
  • The tailwheel was not locked