Casualties unknown

Aircraft Sags After Takeoff, Pilot Executes Forced Landing to Avoid Ditch (N4540A)

Limon, CO, US

On July 24, 1999, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N4540A) was involved in an aviation accident near Limon, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of the wrong runway for takeoff. Factors were a direct tailwind and high density altitude that deteriorated the airplane's climb capability, and unsuitable terrain on which to make a forced landing. 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

Using half flaps for takeoff from runway 34 with a 6-knot crosswind, the aircraft began to sag after passing the departure end. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, intentionally forcing the aircraft down to avoid a ditch. Density altitude was 7,690 feet.

Flight Details

The pilot selected one notch of flaps, equivalent to half flaps, for the takeoff from runway 34. The METAR reported wind from 160 degrees at 6 knots, indicating a crosswind component relative to the runway heading.

Incident Description

As the airplane passed over the departure end of the runway, it began to 'sag.' In response, the pilot initiated a forced landing in a field. To avoid a ditch, he intentionally forced the airplane onto the ground, crossing the controls.

Environmental Conditions

The density altitude at the time was computed to be 7,690 feet mean sea level, indicating reduced air density typical of high-altitude or hot-day conditions. No other weather factors were reported.

Conclusion

No probable cause was stated in the source. The incident involved a forced landing following a sag after takeoff with half flaps, during which the pilot maneuvered to avoid a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19251. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.