Probable cause
The pilot's failure to recognize the change in wind velocity and his decision to make a downwind takeoff from the grass airstrip, which led to the airplane's degraded climb capability.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the wind had been from the north between 5 and 10 knots for most of the afternoon. He elected to make a downhill takeoff, and as the airplane neared the end of the runway it failed to gain sufficient airspeed to become airborne. The airplane continued off the runway and struck a pipe and then a fence, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wing. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot estimated that the wind had increased to 25 knots. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA559 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 26, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Snook, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36TC
- N-number
- N468SG
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.