N2325Z

Substantial
None

BEECH 23S/N: M-24

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 21, 2010
NTSB Number
WPR10CA175
Location
Twenty Nine Palms, CA
Event ID
20100325X03421
Coordinates
34.126388, -115.942779
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's encounter with a wind shear/downdraft that exceeded the climb performance capabilities of the airplane during initial climb.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2325Z
Make
BEECH
Serial Number
M-24
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1962
Model / ICAO
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
5889 WINNCLIFF DR
Status
Deregistered
City
RIVERSIDE
State / Zip Code
CA 92509-5352
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, after rotating and obtaining the best angle of climb airspeed, the airplane began descending "as if it had lost lift or something was pushing it down." The pilot said the airspeed was still at best angle of climb airspeed but the airplane was descending. As impact with terrain was assured, the pilot set up for a forced landing. The airplane subsequently impacted rising terrain about 150 to 200 feet from the departure end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to its right wing. The pilot reported that winds were variable at 6 knots, with gusts to 15 knots, and added that he felt the accident was the direct result of wind shear and could not have been prevented or detected. The pilot reported no anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR10CA175