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Casualties unknown

Runway Strike After Takeoff Due to Gust and High Density Altitude (N7736P)

Telluride, CO, US

On April 8, 2001, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N7736P) was involved in an aviation accident near Telluride, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during initial climb. Factors include the gusty wind and high density altitude conditions. 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

An aircraft struck the runway with retracted landing gear after a gust during initial climb. Winds were variable, and density altitude was 9,551 feet MSL.

Accident Sequence and Weather Conditions After takeoff, the pilot retracted the landing gear at approximately 50 feet above the ground and began the initial climb. A gust of wind struck the aircraft, causing it to descend and strike the runway with the landing gear in the retracted position. At the time of the accident, winds were reported from 230 degrees at 9 knots. The two previous weather readings indicated variable winds. At 1352, winds were 170 to 240 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 21 knots. At 1411, winds were 150 to 250 degrees at 8 knots. The airfield elevation was 9,070 feet MSL. The altimeter setting was 29.91, and the temperature was 1 degree Celsius (33.3 degrees Fahrenheit). The density altitude was 9,551 feet MSL.

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Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010423X00800. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.