# NTSB WPR21LA218: Beech A36, N8140G, Sulphur Creek, ID, May 28, 2021 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: May 28, 2021, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Sulphur Creek, ID - Coordinates: 44.53657, -115.35094 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5366&lon=-115.3509&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - NTSB case key (mKey): 103194 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR21LA218 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/103194/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA218 ## Probable cause The pilot’s inability to maintain airplane control during takeoff when the airplane encountered a tailwind and gusting winds which resulted in an aborted takeoff and forced landing to rough terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Wind: gusts](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Beech A36, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md?model=1151604), [All aircraft, 1,199 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034045/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech A36, 43 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=1151604), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Beech A36, 27 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=1151604), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Terrain: rough terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on equipment; cases with it: [Beech A36, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md?model=1151604), [All aircraft, 442 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Beech A36, 31 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=1151604), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Landing-flare/touchdown: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Beech A36, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=1151604), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, during takeoff, and while in ground effect, the airplane encountered a quartering tailwind that pushed the airplane to the left and reduced the airplane’s climb performance. As the airplane passed a line of trees, at an altitude of 3-5 ft above ground level, it encountered a 90° wind gust from the left. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff when the airplane drifted further to the left and would not climb. The pilot initiated a forced landing on a rough field. The airplane’s forward fuselage was substantially damaged when it collided with the terrain and nosed down. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8140G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8140G-2024-09-07), registration cancelled 2024-09-07, S/N E-2635, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BEECH A36 - Registry model: [Beech A36](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a36) (registry code 1151604) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental IO-550 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-io-550-series) (registry code 17042, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: E-2635 - Year built: 1991 - Airframe hours: 3418.5 - Engines: CONTINENTAL IO550 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mcnamara J Kevin - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 29, 2021, 25.8 hours before - Airport: ID74, Sulphur Creek Ranch, runway 10/28, 3,300 × 40 ft, dirt - Equipment: Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Handheld GPS, Onboard weather, Stall warning system, ADS-B, Auto-pilot, Electronic flight bag or handheld device ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 68; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review September 21, 2019; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 2,248 total, 1,126 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 28 °F - Altimeter: 30.08 inHg - Turbulence: Light - Observed at: MYL, 38 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20210528010179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20210528010179A), May 28, 2021: Beech A36, Substantial damage. Pilot attempted takeoff with a right quartering tailwind. The pilot aborted the downwind takeoff after becoming airborne at approximately mid field, touched… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.