Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the failure of the pilot to properly compensate for a crosswind and for gusty conditions during takeoff/initial climb, which resulted in an inflight loss of control and collision with the ground.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On May 30, 2001, about 1545 eastern daylight time, a Russell Heyn Rans S-6, N448CH, registered to, and operated by a private owner, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, crashed during takeoff/initial climb in Swainsboro, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not injured, and the aircraft was destroyed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that he was departing from a private grass strip, with a right quartering headwind of about 10 to 12 mph, and as he lifted off and started to climb, while at a height of about 60 feet, a strong wind gust got under the right wing and forced the aircraft hard to the left and the nose down. According to the pilot, the aircraft then collided with the ground, and was destroyed as a result of the impact. The pilot further stated that prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the aircraft, or any of its systems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA01LA147