Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions at the time of the takeoff. Factors were the wind gusts and windshear existing at the airport.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, a wind shear was encountered. He elected to land the airplane about 4,000 feet down the 5,000 foot long runway. The aircraft landed hard, and structural damage resulted. The recorded weather data at the time of the accident revealed surface winds variable from 210 to 340 degrees, at speeds of 7 knots, with gusts to 18 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 10, 1993, at about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N410SF, collided with the runway during takeoff from the Person County Airport in Roxboro, North Carolina. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The aircraft was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight to Ocracoke, North Carolina. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported the following: Shortly after takeoff, a windshear was encountered. He had difficulty maintaining altitude, and elected to land the aircraft about 4,000 feet down the 5,000 foot long runway. The aircraft landed hard on the runway surface, and came to rest on the runway. The winds recorded at the airport at the time of the accident were from 210 degrees, variable to 340 degrees, at speeds of 7 knots, with gusts to 18 knots. The pilot reported light to moderate turbulence associated with the winds. He checked the weather observation about 30 minutes prior to the accident, as well as shortly before departure. -