Lockheed 18 LodeStar crash, Oct 3, 2004, Midland
Lockheed 18 LodeStar accident on October 3, 2004 near Midland, Texas, United States with no fatalities. Cause: The pilot failed to maintain directional...
- Date: October 3, 2004
- Aircraft: Lockheed 18 LodeStar
- Location: Midland, Texas, United States
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: The pilot failed to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. The choice of runway and the prevailing tailwind were contributing factors.
A vintage Howard 250 (Lockheed Lodestar conversion) was taking off from Midland with a tailwind of about 10 knots. It veered right and then left, left the runway before reaching V2, and its right wing struck the ground. The aircraft spun, came to rest upright and was consumed by a post-crash fire. There were no fatalities.