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.