What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-08-01 involved a Cessna 150C, registration N7815Z, at Mazama, WA.

Pilot Performs Emergency Landing After Gust of Wind During Climb (N7815Z)

On August 1, 2004, a Cessna 150C (registration N7815Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Mazama, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the weather conditions and his failure to maintain the initial takeoff climb, which resulted in a collision with trees during an emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

After liftoff from runway 29, a gust of wind pushed the airplane left toward trees. The pilot banked to avoid trees, but the airplane stopped climbing. After barely clearing treetops, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a streambed, contacting trees.

Preflight and Takeoff

The pilot stated that no problems were noted with the airplane during the preflight inspection and the engine runup. The airplane departed from runway 29.

The Incident

After liftoff, the airplane climbed to treetop level. At that point, a gust of wind pushed the airplane left, toward trees bordering the runway. The pilot had to bank the airplane to avoid the trees, and the airplane stopped climbing. The airplane barely cleared the trees at the end of the runway.

Emergency Landing

Concerned that the airplane might not clear trees located further ahead, the pilot elected to put the airplane back on the ground. He selected a streambed as an emergency landing site. During the emergency landing, the airplane contacted trees along the edge of the streambed.

Weather and Conditions

The pilot reported that the temperature was 88 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind was from 300 degrees at 3 knots. The airport elevation was 2,415 feet, and the density altitude was calculated to be approximately 5,000 feet.

2004-08-01: Cessna 150C (N7815Z) — Mazama, WA