What happened
The aircraft departed on runway 25, which terminates adjacent to a hill on its western end. Environmental conditions at the time included a west wind ranging from 10 to 13 knots and a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. During the initial climb phase, the pilot reported that the aircraft encountered a downdraft as it approached the hill.
As the climb continued, the pilot became concerned about the ability to clear the trees located beyond the hill. In response to this obstacle clearance concern, the pilot decided to intentionally stall the aircraft and direct it into the trees.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational decisions made during the departure phase. The pilot's statement confirmed that the decision to stall the aircraft was intentional rather than the result of an uncontrolled loss of control or mechanical failure. The presence of the hill at the end of the runway and the associated downdraft were identified as the primary environmental factors influencing the pilot's actions.
Findings
The accident involved N5593C, a light aircraft operating in high-temperature conditions which can degrade performance. The critical factor was the pilot's decision to intentionally stall the aircraft due to concerns about clearing trees beyond the hill. This action resulted in a controlled impact with the treeline rather than a continued climb over the obstacle.
Safety message
Pilots departing from airports with obstacles at the end of the runway must carefully evaluate performance data and environmental conditions. Intentionally stalling an aircraft to avoid an obstacle is not a recommended procedure and significantly increases the risk of collision. Proper planning and execution of departure procedures are essential for obstacle clearance.