At about 1645 Alaska time, a Beech V35B crashed about a half-mile from Skagway Airport after the pilot lost control on initial climb. The pilot and two passengers were killed. Witnesses said the airplane departed runway 02 and then began a tight, climbing left turn. The direction of the turn placed the airplane near rising terrain. The airplane then descended nose down into the trees in an area about 220 feet higher than airport elevation. The Airport/Facility Directory warns that, upon departing runway 02 that pilots should maintain runway heading for a half mile for noise abatement purposes. Wind at the time was 040 at 13 knots.
August 08, Skagway, Alaska / Beech Bonanza
At about 1645 Alaska time, a Beech V35B crashed about a half-mile from Skagway Airport after the pilot lost control on initial climb. The pilot and two passengers were killed. Witnesses said the airplane departed runway 02 and then began a tight, climbing left turn. The direction of the turn placed the airplane near rising terrain. The airplane then descended nose down into the trees in an area about 220 feet higher than airport elevation. The Airport/Facility Directory warns that, upon departing runway 02 that pilots should maintain runway heading for a half mile for noise abatement purposes. Wind at the time was 040 at 13 knots....
Key Takeaways:
- A Beech V35B crashed about a half-mile from Skagway Airport during initial climb, killing the pilot and two passengers.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft making a tight, climbing left turn after departing runway 02, which placed it near rising terrain before it descended nose-down.
- The turn was contrary to Airport/Facility Directory guidance for runway 02 departures, which advises maintaining runway heading for a half-mile.
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