N2520P

On April 29, 1995, approximately 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, N2520P, was substantially damaged when it nosed over following a forced landing after takeoff from an airstrip near Rice, Washington. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. No flight plan had been filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91 and was local in nature, originating from the pilot's personal airstrip.

The pilot reported that he planned a short field takeoff. The takeoff roll was normal, and he stated that he applied full flaps at the end of the takeoff run, in accordance with the Piper manual for the aircraft. In a telephone interview, he stated that at 40 feet above ground level, he felt he would be unable to clear trees which were located about 1200 feet beyond the upwind end of the 1800 foot turf runway and in his flight path. He stated that he executed a shallow left turn but was unable to achieve the desired climb rate. He reported that the aircraft was flying at or near stall speed and that he then intentionally lowered the nose and executed a power on descent to a forced landing, during which the aircraft nosed over. In a written statement, he said that at 30 feet altitude, severe downdrafts were encountered and he was unable to clear trees ahead as the climb continued. He initiated a shallow left turn while attempting to climb. He stated that wind shear continued to eliminate ascent; after turning 90 degrees it became apparent that his altitude was insufficient to clear trees. He started, at near stall speed, to turn left towards the north and the aircraft began stalling so he "aimed" the airplane at sand below with wings level, slowly directing the airplane into the ground, where it flipped upon impact.

The pilot reported the winds as calm with an estimated temperature of 60 degrees F., and stated that there were no perceived problems with the aircraft's powerplant during the accident. He stated that "wind shear came out of nowhere and caused the plane to be unable to clear trees ahead."