Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper weather evaluation. A factor was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot attempted a takeoff to the west with 900 feet of usable runway, with winds reported at 270 at 15 knots gusts to 25 knots. The airplane did not lift off and impacted a row of 15 foot tall spruce trees at the end of the turf runway. A weather reporting station, olathe, johnson county airport, stated winds of 15 knots, with gusts to 25 knots out of the west, 30 minutes after the accident. An FAA inspector reported strong, gusty, shifting winds throughout the area on the day of the accident. The pilot said he 'suspected windshear.'
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 30, 1995, at 1815 central daylight time, a Helio U- 10D, N2706J, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage on impact with trees and terrain, during initial takeoff climb from Pollock Airport, (900' x 200' dry/turf), Wellsville, Kansas. The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The local, personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. From the pilot's written statement, he said he was attempting a takeoff to the west in a 15 to 20 knot headwind condition. The airplane did not liftoff and impacted the 15 foot spruce trees at the end of the runway. The pilot stated, "...suspected wind shear... ." An Federal Aviation Administration Inspector reported 15 to 25 knot shifting wind conditions reported all around the outlying area that day. A reporting weather observation station located at Olathe, Johnson County Airport, located 12 miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds out of 270 degrees at 15 knots with gusts to 25 knots, 30 minutes after the accident. -