On May 25, 2007, a Champion 7EC (registration N9904Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Sioux Falls, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and the excessive pull-up during the initial takeoff climb which resulted in the stall. A factor associated with the accident was the crosswind condition. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control during takeoff from a private grass airstrip due to inadequate crosswind correction, leading to a stall and impact with terrain.
Accident Overview
The airplane impacted terrain following a loss of control during takeoff. The accident occurred on the pilot's private grass airstrip, which is 1,000 feet long.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that winds were calm when he landed approximately one hour prior to the accident. Before takeoff, he checked the windsock, which indicated increased winds with a left crosswind. The pilot noted that the wind at the south end of the runway was stronger than what the windsock indicated. He stated that the airplane veered to the right on takeoff because he "...did not correct adequately for the wind."
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that his altitude was lower than normal during the takeoff. To avoid a fence at the end of the property, he pulled up. The airplane then stalled, and the nose dropped. The airplane impacted the terrain and came to rest approximately 60 feet from the right side of the airstrip.