Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly configure the airplane for takeoff, which resulted in the exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and subsequent impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was taking off and had begun to climb out when, the airplane's critical angle of attack was exceeded, an aerodynamic stall occurred, and the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airframe by Federal Aviation Administration aviation safety inspectors found the trim was configured in a nose up setting for a landing profile. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20CA253 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 27, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Davenport, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Davenport Muni (DVN)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 23
- N-number
- N18873
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.