Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32R near Colorado Springs, CO — 2009-07-23

Final reportCEN09CA465
Sign in to save
Date
2009-07-23
Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Airport
KCOS
Aircraft
PIPER PA32R
Registration
N301RT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's low altitude encounter with windshear during takeoff.

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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

Related mishaps