Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain a positive rate of climb while taking off with a high density altitude.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The airplane reached an altitude of approximately 80 feet above the ground on takeoff when it encountered an “air pocket.” The airplane descended and the left wing contacted 20 foot tall trees. The airplane descended to the ground coming to rest alongside a building. The left wing was substantially damaged. The density altitude was calculated to be 3,790 feet. The pilot recommended that taking off with a cooler temperature and less weight in the airplane could have prevented the accident. The pilot did not recognize and compensate for the high density altitude condition that existed at the time of takeoff.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA422