Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control when encountering a downdraft during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a collision with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was taking off from a sandbar when the airplane encountered a downdraft. The left landing gear subsequently struck the riverbank and was sheared off. The left wing then contacted the ground and the airplane slid to a stop on its fuselage, receiving substantial damage to the left wing, fuselage and tail section.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported he was taking off from a sandbar when the airplane encountered a downdraft. The left landing gear subsequently struck the riverbank, and was sheared off. The left wing then contacted the ground, and the airplane slid to a stop on its fuselage, receiving substantial damage to the left wing, fuselage and tail section.