Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off in gusting tailwinds resulting in exceeding the performance capabilities of the airplane and subsequent loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated the reported winds near his departure time were 140 degrees at 24 knots, and he elected to depart from runway 27. During climb out, shortly after he rotated, the airplane weathervaned hard to the left and the stall warning horn sounded. The pilot felt a strong gust of wind as he attempted to clear rising terrain, and thought he encountered a strong down draft or rotor, followed by the airplane impacting terrain. Wind recorded five minutes before the accident was from 130 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 29 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA018 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 13, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Telluride, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Telluride Rgnl (TEX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech A36
- N-number
- N26RG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1987
- 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.