Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to attain and maintain an adequate airspeed during initial climb.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that he loaded the hopper of the airplane with chemicals for an agricultural flight and proceeded to depart on runway 30. During the climb out, at approximately 50 feet above ground level (agl), the pilot noticed a tailwind from the southwest and at 60 feet agl noticed that his climb rate had diminished. The pilot attempted to initiate a forced landing in the wash across a main road. On touchdown the main landing gear broke off and the airplane proceeded inside a gully where the wings sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues or malfunctions that would have precluded normal flight. At the time of the accident, the density altitude was approximately 3,600 ft.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA286