On February 21, 1977, a Lockheed 18 LodeStar (registration N100GP) operated by Priester Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation on part of the crew. The following contributing factors were reported: - Failed to maintain flying speed, - Airframe ice, - 12 inches spanwise ice strip on upper wing surface. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After liftoff, a twin-engine airplane stalled during initial climb, struck the ground, and was destroyed. Both occupants were injured. The probable cause was a stall due to inadequate preflight preparation by the crew.
Incident
Just after liftoff, while in the initial climb phase, the twin-engine airplane encountered difficulties gaining height. It subsequently stalled, struck the ground, and was destroyed in flames. Both occupants sustained injuries.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a stall during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation on the part of the crew.
Contributing Factors
Several contributing factors were reported:
Failure to maintain flying speed
Airframe ice
A 12-inch spanwise ice strip on the upper wing surface