On June 22, 1990, a Cessna 172H (registration N715HR) operated by Brookville Airpark was involved in an aviation accident near Brookville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN POSITIVE CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE ENCOUNTERING GUSTY, SHIFTY WINDS AND WINDSHEAR DURING THE INITIAL CLIMBOUT AFTER TAKEOFF. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Shortly after lift-off, the aircraft dipped left wing down and nosed into a field. The pilot attributed the accident to windshear and suggested a higher climb airspeed might have prevented it. Winds were from the south at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots, with strong variable winds reported.
Accident Details
Shortly after lift-off, the aircraft experienced a dip with the left wing lowering and subsequently nosed into the ground in a newly planted field. The departure was conducted on Runway 27. The pilot stated that he attributed the accident to windshear and indicated that it might have been prevented by climbing out at a higher airspeed.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, winds were reported from the south at 10 knots, with gusts to 15 knots. Strong and variable winds were reported in the area, and there was one previous report of windshear at the departure airport.