On August 31, 1992, a Champion 7ECA (registration N11080) operated by Zugel, Kenneth R. was involved in an aviation accident near Angel Fire, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WHICH RESULTED IN EXCEEDING THE CLIMB CAPABILITY OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE INADVERTENT STALL WAS ALSO A CAUSE. FACTORS WERE THE DOWNDRAFT AND HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff with a computed density altitude of 9,500 feet, the pilot reported insufficient climb rate and a downdraft. The aborted takeoff led to a stall and uncontrolled descent, with the airplane coming to rest inverted off the runway.
Accident
During the takeoff roll, the computed density altitude was 9,500 feet. At approximately 100 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that the airplane could not maintain the proper climb rate and encountered a downdraft. The pilot subsequently aborted the takeoff. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent after the pilot stalled the airplane. The airplane came to rest in an inverted position off the side of the runway.
Conditions
The airport is located in mountainous terrain. Gusty winds prevailed in the area at the time of the accident.
Outcome
The airplane sustained damage consistent with an inverted landing off the runway. The source does not specify injuries, fatalities, or damage to items other than the airplane's position.