Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper weather evaluation. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 30, 1995, at 1815 central daylight time, a Helio U- 10D, N2706J, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain, during initial takeoff climb from Pollock Airport, (900' x 200' dry/turf), Wellsville, Kansas. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The local, personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file.
From the pilot's written statement, he said he was attempting a takeoff to the west in a 15 to 20 knot headwind condition. The airplane did not liftoff and impacted the 15 foot spruce trees at the end of the runway. The pilot stated, "...suspected wind shear... ."
An Federal Aviation Administration Inspector reported 15 to 25 knot shifting wind conditions reported all around the outlying area that day.
A reporting weather observation station located at Olathe, Johnson County Airport, located 12 miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds out of 270 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots, 30 minutes after the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95LA338