Casualties unknown

Tailwind Takeoff on Grass Strip Leads to Tree Impact (N1990P)

Mayville, NY, US

On July 5, 1993, a Piper PA-22 (registration N1990P) operated by Dart Airport Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Mayville, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SELECT THE PROPER RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE WITH TERRAIN. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS A PREVAILING TAILWIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting takeoff on a grass strip with a tailwind felt a 'major mush', dropped the nose, and banked left to avoid obstacles but the landing gear struck a tree.

Accident Details

A pilot attempted a takeoff on a grass strip under prevailing tailwind conditions. Approximately three-quarters of the way down the runway, the pilot reported feeling a "major mush" and subsequently lowered the nose to increase airspeed. Recognizing that the airplane would not clear obstacles at the end of the runway, the pilot initiated a left bank. During the bank, the airplane continued to descend, and the landing gear impacted a tree.

Aircraft and Mechanical Factors

No mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot. The airplane was operating normally prior to the incident, and the pilot did not note any anomalies other than the performance issue associated with the tailwind takeoff.

Environmental Conditions

The takeoff was conducted on a grass runway with a tailwind. The specific wind speed and direction were not documented beyond the pilot's statement of a prevailing tailwind.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12792. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.