Sioux City Airport Takeoff Accident (N974Z)

Incident Overview and Casualties At approximately 0711LT, an aircraft crashed while taking off from Sioux City Airport, Iowa. The accident resulted in no fatalities. Of the 64 passengers and four crewmembers on board, 10 passengers were hospitalized with minor injuries, and three crew members sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and no fire occurred. ## Takeoff Sequence Flight 982 began its takeoff on Runway 35 with the flight crew aware that ice was present on the wings. After the aircraft lifted off, the first officer selected the landing gear to the up position, and the captain began turning off the landing and taxi lights. As the landing gear began to retract, the aircraft rolled abruptly and violently to the right, reaching an estimated bank angle of 900. The captain applied additional power and left rudder in an attempt to level the wings. When no immediate response was noted, he then applied left aileron. With the application of left aileron, the right wing came up; however, the roll continued to the left until the left wing contacted the runway. At this point, the captain discontinued the takeoff. He succeeded in leveling the wings prior to final ground contact, approximately 110 feet beyond the departure threshold of Runway 35. The aircraft came to rest in a grove of trees approximately 1,181 feet beyond the departure end of Runway 35.