Incident Overview
A private pilot was preparing for a flight from an airstrip located in a mountainous resort area. The pilot computed the density altitude at the time of departure to be 5,800 feet. The airplane's takeoff gross weight was 95 pounds below the maximum gross takeoff weight.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the airplane's climb capability stagnated. The pilot found that he was unable to clear a stand of pine trees located beyond the departure end of the airstrip. In an attempt to avoid the trees, he maneuvered to fly around them. During this maneuver, the airplane stalled, collided with the pine trees, and subsequently crashed onto a golf course.
Pilot Experience and Actions
The pilot had no experience flying into or out of high-altitude airports. When asked whether he had leaned the mixture for optimum performance under the high-density-altitude conditions, the pilot stated that he was unaware of such a procedure. Additionally, the pilot had planned to use a best climb speed of 70 knots; however, the operating handbook for the airplane recommended a climb speed of 87 knots when obstacle clearance was a factor.
Key Details
- Location: Airstrip in a mountainous resort area; crash site on a golf course.
- Density altitude: 5,800 feet.
- Takeoff weight: 95 pounds under maximum gross takeoff weight.
- Obstacle: Pine trees past the departure end.
- Stall and collision: Airplane stalled and collided with trees before crashing.
- Pilot background: Private pilot with no high-altitude airport experience.
- Mixture procedure: Pilot unaware of leaning for optimum performance.
- Recommended climb speed: 87 knots per the handbook for obstacle clearance; pilot planned 70 knots.