On April 21, 2000, a Cessna 140 (registration N3579V) was involved in an aviation accident near Red Lodge, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A high density altitude and inadequate preflight planning/preparation. Not attaining a proper climb rate, not maintaining a proper runway alignment, and gusting wind conditions were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced drift and performance issues after takeoff due to a gust of wind, leading to a landing next to the runway where the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot believed a cruise pitch propeller affected acceleration and climb.
Incident Overview
Shortly after departure, the airplane reached an altitude of approximately five feet when it began drifting to the right, attributed by the pilot to a gust of wind from the left. While the pilot applied rudder control to correct the drift, the aircraft continued to deviate and failed to accelerate or climb as expected. The pilot decided to reduce power and land adjacent to the runway.
Landing Gear Collapse
During the landing roll, the left main landing gear collapsed. The pilot had previously calculated the density altitude at about 6,267 feet and referenced the aircraft’s performance data for takeoff distance and climb rate. However, the data assumed the installation of a standard propeller, whereas the aircraft was equipped with a cruise pitch propeller.
Pilot’s Assessment
The pilot reported that he considered the cruise pitch propeller to be the reason the airplane would not accelerate and climb as anticipated. No other contributing factors were identified in the pilot’s account.