Aircraft impacts power lines following windshear encounter

Casualties unknown • Fabens, TX, US

A pilot experienced a loss of lift due to windshear shortly after takeoff, resulting in an aircraft impact with power lines and poles.

What happened

The pilot was operating a Cessna (type not specified) loaded with 80 gallons of cottonseed oil and 30 gallons of aviation gasoline. After taxiing to the departure end of the runway, the pilot performed a takeoff roll using a full rich mixture and full throttle. The aircraft lifted off approximately one-third of the way down the runway.

During a climb to approximately 100 feet above the ground, the aircraft encountered windshear, which resulted in a loss of lift. Although the engine was producing full power at red line RPM with a full rich mixture, the pilot was unable to maintain altitude without stalling. During the encounter, the propeller struck a power line. The aircraft's left wing subsequently impacted a power line pole, followed by the right wing impacting another pole. The aircraft finally came to rest against a brick fence.

Weather observations from the El Paso weather facility, located 22 miles northwest of the accident site, indicated the presence of towering cumulonimbus clouds to the southeast near the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The encounter with windshear caused a loss of lift during the initial climb.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-22 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Fabens, TX?

A pilot experienced a loss of lift due to windshear shortly after takeoff, resulting in an aircraft impact with power lines and poles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-22 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N6736Z, operated by Eagle AG Service, at Fabens, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The encounter with windshear caused a loss of lift during the initial climb.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19275. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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