This July 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: None. Location: Salmon, Idaho. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was in a hurry. He noted that the winds were gusty and variable, shifting from 190° to 210° and varying velocities in minutes. He decided to attempt takeoff. During the initial climb out, the wind shifted and the airplane was not able to maintain altitude. It landed hard beyond the departure end of the runway and the nose landing gear folded back into the airplane, causing damage to the firewall.
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to takeoff in known adverse wind conditions that led to an encounter with a windshear, the resulting inability of the pilot to maintain airspeed, and a stall/mush into the terrain.
For more information: NTSB.gov
