No fatalities

23 Jul 2009: PIPER PA32R 301T — Dean Sather — Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs, CO, United States

On 23 Jul 2009, a PIPER PA32R 301T operated by Dean Sather was involved in an aviation accident near Colorado Springs, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's low altitude encounter with windshear during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after a wind shear caution, the aircraft climbed to 75 feet then descended uncontrollably, resulting in substantial damage upon runway impact. Automated weather later showed variable winds at 7 knots with light rain.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, the tower controller issued a caution for wind shear and subsequently cleared the flight for departure. The pilot delayed momentarily to assess the wind conditions before initiating the takeoff. The aircraft climbed to an altitude of 75 feet, at which point it began to lose altitude. The pilot described the sensation as if the airplane was "being pushed down." Corrective measures were applied by the pilot, but the descent could not be arrested. The aircraft subsequently impacted the runway, resulting in substantial damage.

Weather Conditions

The automated special weather observation report, issued shortly after the time of the accident, recorded winds variable from 100 degrees to 160 degrees at 7 knots, with light rain present.

Contributing factors

Causes

Ability to respond/compensate

Other contributing factors

Capability exceeded