Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

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2310 Total Accidents 425 Fatal 816 Fatalities 1982-2026
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Colorado Springs, Colorado

July 23, 2009 · NTSB CEN09CA465 · PIPER PA32R (N301RT)
Minor/None
Note: This analysis may be based on NTSB preliminary reports, which represent an initial, incomplete investigation. Facts can change as the investigation progresses, and preliminary findings should not be assumed to be accurate or final. For older events, a final NTSB report may have been issued β€” always consult the NTSB Aviation Query for the authoritative record.

NTSB Narrative

According to the pilot, the tower controller cautioned for wind shear and then cleared the flight to depart. The pilot delayed momentarily to assess the wind conditions and then departed. The airplane climbed to 75 feet, and then began to lose altitude as if the airplane was "being pushed down." The pilot applied corrective measures but was unable to arrest the descent. The airplane impacted the runway resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The automated special weather observation report, issued shortly after the time of the accident, reported winds variable from 100 degrees to 160 degrees at 7 knots with light rain. The pilot's low altitude encounter with windshear during takeoff.

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NTSB Findings

  • Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Wind-Windshear-Ability to respond/compensate - C
  • Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Aircraft capability-Climb capability-Capability exceeded

Details

NTSB ReportCEN09CA465
AircraftPIPER PA32R
RegistrationN301RT
DamageSUBS
FAR Part091
Location38.8056, -104.7006
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