GLOBE GC-1B near Williamson, SC — 2013-06-01

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to takeoff with a quartering tailwind at high density altitude, close to gross takeoff weight, on a short turf runway with trees at the departure end.

NTSB narrative

The pilot performed a preflight inspection and engine run up with no anomalies noted. He noted the wind favored runway 10. He then taxied to the 2,400-ft turf runway, which had 50-ft tall trees located 1,000 ft from the departure end, and began the takeoff. When the airplane reached climb speed, the pilot lifted the airplane off the runway. He then realized that the airplane was not going to be able to climb above the trees located near the end of the runway. Therefore, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in a nearby field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a tree and incurred substantial damage. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger, who were both airframe and powerplant mechanics, reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at an airport 10 miles north of the accident location and at other surrounding airports was such that the airplane would have experienced a 5- to 8-knot right-quartering tailwind on runway 10 around the time of the accident. Density altitude was 2,307 feet above mean sea level. It is therefore likely, that the airplane experienced a reduction in performance during takeoff due to the tailwind, density altitude, and the weight (within about 120 lbs of the maximum gross weight) at which the airplane was being operated.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Controlled flight into terrain

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have aborted takeoff earlier to avoid trees.

NTSB coding

• Loss of lift · Initial climb
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 8 docket documents

Docket documents8

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Passenger Statementinterview
• Witness Statementinterview
• Weight and Balance Dataother
• Maps and Charts of Accident Area - Satellite Image of SC82photos
• Photo 1 - Photograph of Runway and Trees at SC82 - Courtesy of Oakhill Airpark Associationphotos
• Photos of Accident Airplane as Provided by FAA (Contains 3 Images)photos
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport

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