On June 2, 2006, a Cessna T207A (registration N9962M) was involved in an aviation accident near Jean, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to obtain and maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall/mush. A factor in the accident was the high density altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb, the airplane failed to gain altitude and settled into the ground. The pilot reported airspeed decreasing to 60 knots at 300 feet AGL, leading to an off-airport landing. No mechanical failures were noted. Density altitude was about 6,200 feet.
Accident Overview
The airplane failed to gain altitude during the takeoff initial climb and settled into the ground. The firewall buckled upon ground contact. The event occurred shortly after takeoff.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that just after takeoff, the airspeed decreased to 60 knots while the airplane was 300 feet above ground level. He was unable to recover the airspeed and subsequently touched down in a field. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.
Environmental Conditions
The pilot noted that the temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind from the west at 10 knots and gusting. The density altitude was calculated to be about 6,200 feet. No other environmental factors were reported.