On June 3, 1999, a DE Havilland TIGER MOTH DH82A (registration N9393) was involved in an aviation accident near Maize, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inability to maintain a climb after takeoff as a result of wind shear. Factors associated with the accident were the variable, gusty wind conditions, and the tree which was contacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported gusty winds alternating between east and southeast while taking off from runway 17. After reaching the south end of the runway, the airplane descended and the lower right wing struck a tree just south of a highway.
Accident Details
During a takeoff from runway 17, the pilot experienced gusty wind conditions. The pilot stated that engine power was normal, but the airplane was unable to maintain a climb upon reaching the south end of the runway. The south end of the runway was bordered by trees. The airplane began a descent near the end of the runway. Subsequently, the lower right wing made contact with a tree located just south of a highway that bordered the south end of the airport.
Wind Conditions
The pilot reported that the local winds were gusty and alternating between east and southeast. After the accident, the pilot noted that the winds at the south side of the airport were out of the south, while the windsock at the north end of the airport was indicating winds from the northeast. The pilot selected runway 17 for takeoff, which aligned with the reported east-southeast winds, but the observed wind variability may have affected the climb performance.