Pilot Debrief

PHILLIPS Zenith 250 near Taos, NM — 2013-05-10

Final reportCEN13LA273
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Date
2013-05-10
Location
Taos, NM, USA
Airport
SKX
Aircraft
PHILLIPS Zenith 250
Registration
N250ZP
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to take off in gusting wind conditions and the airplane’s loss of climb performance following an encounter with turbulence and downdrafts.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he waited to depart until after a storm cloud passed the airfield from the northwest. Just before takeoff, the pilot obtained the automated weather observing system information, which reported wind from 120 degrees at 11 knots gusting to 22 knots. According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from runway 04, the airplane stopped climbing and descended when it encountered "turbulent crosswinds and downdrafts." The pilot turned the airplane, but it still would not climb and continued to encounter downdrafts and turbulence as it approached rising terrain, obstacles, and the storm clouds. The pilot turned the airplane again, but it continued to descend and then impacted a landfill. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. Although the reported wind was within the capabilities of the airplane, given the high gusts and recent storm, the pilot should have waited for the wind to subside before taking off.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to turbulent conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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