On May 7, 1988, a Grumman G-164A (registration N8518H) was involved in an aviation accident near Vona, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported encountering a tailwind at 50 feet AGL after takeoff, causing the aircraft to settle and collide with the ground. The soft surface caused the nose to collapse upon impact.
What happened
The pilot reported that conditions were calm when he boarded the aircraft prior to departure. Shortly after liftoff, as the aircraft climbed to approximately 50 feet above ground level, it encountered an unexpected tailwind. This sudden shift in wind conditions caused the aircraft to lose lift and settle back toward the runway surface. The aircraft then collided with the ground. Because the terrain was soft, the impact caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in a nosedown attitude. Upon exiting the aircraft, the pilot observed that the wind was blowing at approximately 15 knots from a direction providing a tailwind for the takeoff path.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's account of the wind conditions and the physical damage sustained by the aircraft. No mechanical failures were identified as contributing factors to the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground.