Incident Overview
A pilot reported that shortly after departing from a runway, the airplane encountered severe windshear, which forced the aircraft into the ground near the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that the airport's Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) was not operational at the time of the accident.
Sequence of Events
The pilot taxied the airplane toward the runway and waited for an incoming aircraft to land. After the landing, the pilot taxied onto the active runway and initiated a departure for a local area airport. During the initial climb, the pilot set the airplane to its best rate of climb (Vy). At approximately 100 feet above ground level, the airplane encountered windshear. The pilot's initial reaction was to pull back and maintain Vy airspeed. As the situation progressed, the pilot switched to the best angle of climb (Vx) in an effort to maintain altitude. Despite these measures, the airplane was unable to sustain altitude and impacted the ground.
Weather Conditions
Before takeoff, the pilot observed winds gusting in various directions with differing magnitudes. The windsock indicated variable light gusts. Shortly after departure, the windsock changed direction and intensity. The pilot reported that winds were variable at 17 knots, gusting to 18 knots. Archived AWOS data for the airport recorded winds from 190 degrees at 7 knots at 1535, from 210 degrees at 8 knots gusting to 32 knots at 1515, and from 250 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 31 knots with variable winds from 210 to 280 degrees at 1555.
Aircraft Damage
Upon impact, the nose landing gear folded back into the airplane, causing structural damage to the firewall.
Pilot's Recommendation
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, the pilot stated that he should not have been in a hurry and should have waited for the winds to become consistent. He further noted that departing 10 minutes earlier or later would likely have made a difference on takeoff.