Summary
On September 29, 2012, a Henrie Raymond ZENITH CH 701 STOL (N234RH) was involved in an accident near Ashland, MS. The accident resulted in 2 minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.
The pilot was attempting to depart the airport to return home in the experimental light sport aircraft. According to the pilot’s statement, just before takeoff, he noted that the windsock was “still” and initiated his takeoff roll. About 20 feet above ground level (agl), the flight encountered a left crosswind causing the airplane to go to the right. He corrected by immediately applying left aileron and left rudder control inputs, then removed the aileron and rudder control inputs. The flight continued and about 30 feet agl, the flight encountered another wind gust that pushed the airplane to the right “faster” than he could apply corrections.
This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA12CA588. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N234RH.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot was attempting to depart the airport to return home in the experimental light sport aircraft. According to the pilot’s statement, just before takeoff, he noted that the windsock was “still” and initiated his takeoff roll. About 20 feet above ground level (agl), the flight encountered a left crosswind causing the airplane to go to the right. He corrected by immediately applying left aileron and left rudder control inputs, then removed the aileron and rudder control inputs. The flight continued and about 30 feet agl, the flight encountered another wind gust that pushed the airplane to the right “faster” than he could apply corrections. The right wingtip impacted a treetop causing the airplane to reverse its direction, descend rapidly, and impact the ground causing structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions. A representative of the airplane designer reported to NTSB that a 10 knot crosswind is well within the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind limitation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA588