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NTSB Report

August 2, 2024 · Beech A36 · N718FG

Cullman, AL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 2, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Cullman, AL
Aircraft
Beech A36 (1976)
Tail Number
N718FG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA344

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb following a takeoff from runway 20, the airplane encountered an abrupt, unanticipated wind shift. The airplane was unable to gain altitude during the initial climb and the pilot elected to land the airplane on the remaining runway. During the landing, the airplane touched down with its landing gear retracted, overran the departure end of the runway, and came to rest in a grassy area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The surface weather observation reported at the airport about 5 minutes before the accident included wind from 200° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots, with thunderstorms noted in the vicinity and a remark of distant lightning from the west to northeast quadrants. The pilot stated that he was aware of the wind conditions and that during taxi he noted that the windsock validated the direction/speed. He also reported that it started to rain as he lined up on the runway for the takeoff. The weather conditions reported about 15 minutes after the accident included variable wind direction at a velocity of 5 knots with gusts to 28 knots, a visibility of ½ statute mile in heavy rain and thunderstorms, with lighting present in all quadrants. These weather observations surrounding the accident time were indicative of changing weather conditions associated with convective weather activity, which could include sudden wind shifts.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to depart in an area of developing convective weather, which resulted in an unanticipated wind shift during the initial climb after takeoff, a loss of climb performance, and the subsequent forced landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb following a takeoff from runway 20, the airplane encountered an abrupt, unanticipated wind shift. The airplane was unable to gain altitude during the initial climb and the pilot elected to land the airplane on the remaining runway. During the landing, the airplane touched down with its landing gear retracted, overran the departure end of the runway, and came to rest in a grassy area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage during the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The surface weather observation reported at the airport about 5 minutes before the accident included wind from 200° at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots, with thunderstorms noted in the vicinity and a remark of distant lightning from the west to northeast quadrants. The pilot stated that he was aware of the wind conditions and that during taxi he noted that the windsock validated the direction/speed. He also reported that it started to rain as he lined up on the runway for the takeoff. The weather conditions reported about 15 minutes after the accident included variable wind direction at a velocity of 5 knots with gusts to 28 knots, a visibility of ½ statute mile in heavy rain and thunderstorms, with lighting present in all quadrants. These weather observations surrounding the accident time were indicative of changing weather conditions associated with convective weather activity, which could include sudden wind shifts.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 CDT
Nearest AirportCullman Regional Airport/Folso (0.5nm SSW)
Runway20
Runway Length5500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech A36
Tail NumberN718FG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520 SER · Reciprocating · 285
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 66 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind12 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time11:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data