On June 3, 2006, a Cessna 206G (registration N7537N) was involved in an aviation accident near Stanley, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff caused by a tailwind gust, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and impacting terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, a sudden tailwind gust caused the pilot to abort the rollout. Loss of directional control led the aircraft off the runway and into a rock.
What happened
The incident occurred during the initial phase of flight operations on the departure end of the runway. As the aircraft accelerated down the paved surface for takeoff, it encountered an unexpected gust of wind from behind. This sudden change in wind conditions caused the aircraft to drift laterally toward the edge of the runway.
Recognizing the deviation and the compromised performance, the pilot initiated a rejected takeoff procedure. However, during this abort sequence, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft left the paved surface and continued off the side of the runway, ultimately impacting a large rock located in the immediate vicinity.
The investigation
Examination of the event focused on the aerodynamic factors present during the takeoff roll. The primary finding was the presence of a tailwind gust at the critical moment of acceleration. This environmental factor contributed significantly to the loss of control and the subsequent departure from the runway environment.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff caused by a tailwind gust, which resulted in the aircraft departing the runway and impacting terrain.