N565HF

On April 17, 1996, about 2000 hours mountain daylight time, N565HF, a homebuilt Forth Acro 2 airplane, operated by the owner/pilot, collided with terrain during takeoff near Rock Springs, Wyoming, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was destined for Rock Springs and was conducted under 14 CFR 91.

According to an FAA aviation safety inspector from Salt Lake City, Utah, the pilot performed a precautionary landing on a highway because of an oil pressure problem. After a mechanic corrected the problem, the pilot elected to take off from the highway and continue on to Rock Springs. During the takeoff, a "strong, direct crosswind" and gusts pushed the airplane into a hillside along the side of the road. The pilot told the FAA inspector that he did not realize the winds were that strong prior to the takeoff. No mechanical malfunctions were reported.

In a written statement submitted to the Safety Board, the pilot stated: "During takeoff, [the airplane] encountered wind shear resulting in loss of positive directional control."

The reported wind conditions at the Rock Springs Airport about the time of the accident were: wind direction from 270 degrees magnetic at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots.