Summary
On May 28, 2020, a Champion 7ECA (N9557S) was involved in an incident near Vine Grove, KY. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: Aircraft control was not maintained during initial climb with gusting wind that resulted in a collision with power lines and the terrain.
The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff and initial climb to the height of tree tops, the airplane encountered a couple of wind gusts with wind shear. The pilot recovered airplane control when the airplane encountered another gust that dropped the airplane down into power lines and subsequently the terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR20CA160. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9557S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
Aircraft control was not maintained during initial climb with gusting wind that resulted in a collision with power lines and the terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff and initial climb to the height of tree tops, the airplane encountered a couple of wind gusts with wind shear. The pilot recovered airplane control when the airplane encountered another gust that dropped the airplane down into power lines and subsequently the terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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# WPR20CA160