Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. The downdraft was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that prior to takeoff he noted that the wind sock was limp. After takeoff and at an altitude of about 100 feet, the airplane experienced a sink rate that the pilot felt the airplane could not out climb. The pilot elected to initiate an off airstrip landing and selected an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with trees and rough terrain. The pilot stated that a ten knot wind was present over the river near the end of the runway, along with turbulent conditions over trees at the departure end.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 10, 1995, at 1308 Pacific daylight time, a S.O.C.A.T.A. Rallye 150 ST, N308RA, collided with the terrain shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near Yakima, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his two passengers were not injured. During a telephone interview and subsequent written statement, the pilot reported that prior to takeoff he noted that the windsock was slack. The pilot elected to take off on runway 27, and stated that the airplane climbed to approximately 100 feet then experienced a sink rate that the pilot felt the airplane could not out climb. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an open field where during the landing roll, the airplane collided with trees and rough terrain. The pilot stated that a ten knot wind was present over the river near the end of the runway, along with turbulent conditions over trees at the departure end. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident. -