On 21 Mar 2010, a BEECH 23 was involved in an aviation accident near Twenty Nine Palms, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the accident was the direct result of wind shear. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After rotation, the airplane descended at best angle-of-climb airspeed. The pilot executed a forced landing, striking rising terrain 150-200 feet from the departure end, substantially damaging the right wing. Winds were variable at 6 knots gusting to 15 knots. No anomalies were reported.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, after rotating and establishing the best angle-of-climb airspeed, the airplane began to descend. The pilot described the descent as if the airplane had lost lift or was being pushed downward. The airspeed indication remained at the best angle-of-climb value while the airplane descended. Recognizing that impact with terrain was inevitable, the pilot configured the airplane for a forced landing. The airplane then struck rising terrain located approximately 150 to 200 feet from the departure end of the runway. The collision substantially damaged the right wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that wind conditions were variable at 6 knots with gusts reaching 15 knots. He expressed the opinion that the accident resulted directly from wind shear and that it could not have been prevented or detected beforehand. Additionally, the pilot reported no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine that would have prevented normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot reported that the accident was the direct result of wind shear.