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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Tree During Takeoff After Reported Wind Shear (N45373)

Del Rio, TX, US

On January 5, 2001, a Cessna 177RG (registration N45373) was involved in an aviation accident near Del Rio, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the winds. A factor was the windshear. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll to the northwest, a pilot reported wind shear hit the left wing, causing the aircraft to drift left and strike a tree. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest nose down in a ravine.

Accident Sequence

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll to the northwest, the airplane lifted off the runway and traveled along the ground. The left wing was then hit by wind shear, causing the aircraft to drift to the left. The left wing subsequently impacted a tree. The airplane struck the ground, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose down in a ravine.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the wind was from the northwest at 10–12 knots. The pilot also stated that the left wing was hit by wind shear during the takeoff roll.

Aircraft Damage

The main damage reported includes the left wing striking a tree, the nose gear collapsing, and the airplane coming to rest nose down in a ravine.

Weather

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jan 2001 Cessna 177RG accident near Del Rio, TX?

During takeoff roll to the northwest, a pilot reported wind shear hit the left wing, causing the aircraft to drift left and strike a tree. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest nose down in a ravine.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jan 2001 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N45373, at Del Rio, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the winds. A factor was the windshear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00095. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.