Aircraft: Zenith CH701. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Paxton, Illinois. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: According to the pilot, he took off with a slight, quartering tailwind in high density altitude conditions.
The airplane did not continue climbing or gain altitude and the pilot realized that he would not clear power-lines at the end of the runway, so he banked the plane to the left and made a hard landing in the grass.
Probable cause: The pilot’s decision to take off with a tailwind in high density altitude conditions.
NTSB Identification: CEN11CA486
This July 2011 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.