Incident
An aircraft departed from Runway 31 and began a left turn before descending into trees. The pilot suffered a head injury and could not recall details of the event.
Witness Accounts
A lineboy who witnessed the takeoff stated that he heard the engine running until the aircraft contacted the trees.
Pilot Statement
Immediately after the crash, the pilot reportedly told rescue personnel that he had "hit a downdraft."
Weather Observations
Approximately six miles from the accident site, the weather observation at Andrews Air Force Base at 0955 EST reported winds from 280 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 26 knots. The remarks noted that the wind had been from 330 degrees at 30 knots. At 1019 EST, the wind was from 330 degrees at 29 knots.
There was no record of the pilot receiving a weather briefing while preparing for the flight.
Investigation
Authorities are examining the circumstances of the accident, including weather conditions and the pilot's account of a downdraft.