February 18, 2012, Rawlins, Wyo., Beech C23 Sundowner

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at approximately 0745 Mountain time following a loss of aircraft performance. The pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, the takeoff appeared normal. Once in the air, the airplane’s climb rate was not what he expected. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot entered a right turn. Shortly, the airplane’s stall horn started to sound.

Editorial Staff

Friday, March 23, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An airplane experienced a forced landing shortly after takeoff due to an unexpected loss of climb performance.
The incident occurred after the pilot initiated a right turn and the stall horn began to sound, leading to a landing in a sagebrush field.
Despite substantial damage to the aircraft, including a twisted fuselage and bent wing spar, the pilot and two passengers were uninjured.

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According to the pilot, the takeoff appeared normal. Once in the air, the airplane’s climb rate was not what he expected. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot entered a right turn. Shortly, the airplane’s stall horn started to sound. The pilot landed the airplane in a sagebrush-covered field. The fuselage was twisted and the right wing’s main spar was bent.