Pilot Debrief

HENRIE RAYMOND ZENITH CH 701 STOL near Ashland, MS — 2012-09-29

Final reportERA12CA588
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Date
2012-09-29
Location
Ashland, MS, USA
Airport
MS14
Aircraft
HENRIE RAYMOND ZENITH CH 701 STOL
Registration
N234RH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate compensation for crosswind conditions during initial climb, which resulted in an impact with trees and terrain.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot’s statement, just before takeoff, he noted that the windsock was “still” and initiated his takeoff roll. About 15 to 20 feet above ground level (agl), the flight encountered a left crosswind causing the airplane to go to the right. The pilot corrected by immediately applying left aileron and left rudder control inputs, then removed the aileron and rudder control inputs. The flight continued and about 30 feet agl, the flight encountered another wind gust that pushed the airplane to the right “faster” than the pilot could apply corrections. The right wingtip impacted a treetop causing the airplane to reverse its direction, descend rapidly, and impact the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Weather data recorded around the time of the accident at the nearest observation facility indicated wind from 30 degrees at 9 knots. A representative of the airplane designer reported that a 5- to 10-knot crosswind is well within the airplane’s maximum demonstrated crosswind limitation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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