What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-08-23 involved an Aviat A-1, registration N8HU, at Montrose, CO.

Overweight Aircraft Crashes During Low Turn at High-Altitude Airport (N8HU)

On August 23, 2001, an Aviat A-1 (registration N8HU) was involved in an aviation accident near Montrose, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's intentional abrupt maneuver immediately after takeoff and the subsequent loss of aircraft control. Contributing factors were high density altitude weather conditions, and the airplane improper weight and balance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A high-time pilot, with the aircraft owner in the back seat, attempted a low, steep turn to runway 10 at an elevation of 7,862 feet. The airplane, exceeding its maximum gross weight, struck terrain with its right wing tip and engine. Density altitude was 11,155 feet.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft was observed making a slow, very steep, and very low right-hand turn in the direction of runway 10, which has an elevation of 7,862 feet. The maneuver ended when the airplane first contacted the ground with its right wing tip, followed by the engine.

Pilot and Owner Details

The pilot held 20,000 hours of flight experience. Investigators were unable to determine whether the pilot had previously operated this specific aircraft. The airplane's owner was seated in the back seat at the time of the accident.

Weight and Density Altitude

Examination revealed that the aircraft was above its maximum certificated gross weight. Additionally, the density altitude was calculated at 11,155 feet, indicating significantly reduced aircraft performance due to high altitude and temperature conditions.

2001-08-23: Aviat A-1 (N8HU) — Montrose, CO

Accident Sequence

Pilot and Owner Details

Weight and Density Altitude

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