On July 22, 2004, a Piper J3C (registration N3458N) operated by Ronald E. Hills was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate evaluation of the wind conditions which resulted in an encounter with a downdraft during the takeoff/initial climb, and subsequent collision with trees and terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot departing an airstrip in a mountainous canyon encountered a downdraft at 500 feet, collided with trees and terrain, then was pinned when a gust flipped the tail onto him.
Departure and Encounter
The private certificated pilot was departing an old airstrip located along a creek in a canyon in mountainous terrain. According to the pilot, the wind was blowing from the south at about 20 knots at the time of departure. He departed toward the south. During the initial climb, at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered a downdraft. The airplane descended and collided with several trees along the creek bed. Subsequently, the airplane collided with uneven terrain. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear, wings, and fuselage.
Post-Crash Incident
After the crash, the pilot exited the airplane and began removing survival equipment and his global positioning system (GPS) receiver. As he walked near the front end of the airplane, a gust of wind lifted the tail of the airplane and blew it over, on top of him. No further details are available from the report.