On June 11, 2000, a Cessna 170B (registration N4514C) was involved in an aviation accident near Dutch John, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions and a down draft, which resulted in an inability to gain altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported strong, gusty winds during takeoff. After liftoff, the aircraft encountered a down draft that prevented altitude gain, leading to a tree strike and post-impact fire.
What happened
During the takeoff roll on runway 29, the pilot noted that wind conditions were challenging, with sustained speeds of 20 knots and gusts reaching 30 knots. Immediately after liftoff, the aircraft encountered a significant down draft that prevented it from gaining altitude. The left wing struck trees before the airplane settled to the ground. A fire broke out after the impact and consumed the aircraft.
Findings
The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 8,460 feet. The combination of high winds, gusts, and a down draft contributed to the inability to climb after takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in gusty wind conditions and a down draft, which resulted in an inability to gain altitude.