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Casualties unknown

Overloaded Airplane Descends After Takeoff, Strikes Tree (N11065)

Fort Collins, CO, US

On May 10, 2005, a Champion 7ECA (registration N11065) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Collins, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation which failed to assure adequate takeoff performance to clear obstacles. Contributing factors included the miscalculated weight and balance and the high density altitude. 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

A pilot reported that after takeoff, the airplane stopped climbing and began sinking despite increasing airspeed. The airplane then struck a tree and came to rest on its right side. An FAA inspector found the airplane was overloaded by at least 18 pounds.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the fuel tanks had been filled and the airplane was loaded to its gross weight. During takeoff, at approximately 200 feet above ground level and three-quarters down the runway, the airplane ceased climbing and began descending. Despite lowering the nose to increase airspeed, the descent continued. The pilot then reduced engine power to avoid power lines. The airplane struck a tree and subsequently came to rest on its right side. The impact caused substantial damage.

Oversight Findings

An FAA inspector determined that the airplane was overloaded, with the gross takeoff weight exceeded by at least 18 pounds.

Environmental Conditions

Weather recorded at the Fort Collins-Loveland airport included a temperature of 16°C, dew point of 4°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.80 inches of mercury. The calculated density altitude was 6,500 feet.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050614X00764. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.