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NTSB investigation record

WPR20CA160

Completed

Champion 7Eca· N9557S

Date
May 28, 2020
Location
Vine Grove, KY
Conditions
VMC
Record
Published February 2, 2021

Primary finding

Probable cause

Aircraft control was not maintained during initial climb with gusting wind that resulted in a collision with power lines and the terrain.

Investigator assessment

Analysis narrative

The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff and initial climb to the height of tree tops, the airplane encountered a couple of wind gusts with wind shear. The pilot recovered airplane control when the airplane encountered another gust that dropped the airplane down into power lines and subsequently the terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged.  The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Source record

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that after a normal takeoff and initial climb to the height of tree tops, the airplane encountered a couple of wind gusts with wind shear. The pilot recovered airplane control when the airplane encountered another gust that dropped the airplane down into power lines and subsequently the terrain. The fuselage and wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

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